NGC-2018

PROCEEDINGS

ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY

2ND AIOU NATIONAL GRADUATE CONFERENCE-2018
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Allama Iqbal Open University organized the 2nd AIOU multidisciplinary National Graduate
Conference on 28-29 August, 2018. This conference was planned for providing a platform to the
research students and their mentors to share their work in progress as well as their completed yet
un-published work. We are now again stepping into a collaborative effort of all faculties at
AIOU. A graduate conference is a forum at which we provided opportunity mainly to the
graduate students (Masters and above) to share their research work that had already been
finalized or was in process. The multidisciplinary approach added an extraordinary element of
thinking beyond the limits of disciplines and bringing up the ideas of interdisciplinary
conversations as well as innovative research ideas.
We feel encouraged by the overwhelming response from 27 universities and submission of more
than 450 papers. This conference was a wholesome experience from submitting the abstracts
through an automated conference management tool to register present and get certified. We
believed that this conference should serve the purpose of training our graduate students for
international forums. Graduate students from around the country contributed in this conference
with reference to the disciplines they are researching in. We invited the session chairs of the
relevant disciplines to comment and suggest improvements in their research work before moving
forward towards publishing. NGC-2018 enabled the graduate students for developing their
research works into publishable literature. AIOU already has launched eighteen research journals
in which quality research papers are being published. Shields and certificates were also awarded
at the best Paper, Poster and roundtable discussion. At the end of the conference the presenters
were encouraged to submit papers for publication in these journals. The abstracts included in the
abstract book are only those which were presented at the conference.
 MESSAGE FROM VICE CHANCELLOR

Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui

Vice Chancellor, AIOU

Our vision of twenty first century’s higher education is to provide an enabling

environment at AIOU for research, innovation and creativity. We believe that besides
creation of knowledge, dissemination of knowledge is equally important. AIOU is
currently publishing seventeen research journals in different fields and have had a
series of Workshops, Seminars and Conferences hosted by various departments and
faculties. ORIC has already conducted an Expo and National Graduate Conference. It
gives me immense satisfaction that students and faculty members from around the
country have been participating in these events and sharing their research. I feel proud
of the fact that hundreds of graduate students from all over Pakistan in all fields and
disciplines came and shared their research and creative work in the form of
presentations, posters and projects in the Second National Graduate Conference-2018.
I am sure that the proceedings of multidisciplinary conference will provide you a picture
of research work conducted by the graduate students of many universities in related
fields of study. We look forward to welcoming you on the greens of AIOU in the coming
years as well.
 MESSAGE FROM DIRECTOR ORIC

Prof. Dr. Naghmana Rashid

Director ORIC

Dear Students and Scholars

Assalam-o-alaikum! I’m immensely pleased to share with you the proceedings of

Second National Graduate Conference (NGC) at AIOU. We are very thankful to the
participants of the first and second NGC at AIOU for making it a huge success. We are
also very thankful to our worthy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, for the
guidance, encouragement and support to organize such events.

As we all know, Pakistan is blessed with talented people and our young generation is a
source of pride for the country. It is our responsibility to provide them opportunities to
showcase their talents and share their ideas, and this conference is such an
opportunity. I’m sure that besides presenting their own research, the graduate students
also learn from the work being done by their peers and be stimulated to come up with
new ideas. Listening to keynote speakers also provides an insightful learning
opportunity that chould not be missed.

Allama Iqbal Open University has its centers throughout Pakistan and we are truly a
national university. We are always excited to welcome students from institutions all over
Pakistan, besides AIOU students. I hope that in the coming years this conference will
not only help to improve and encourage research and innovation, but will also bring
Pakistani students closer to each other.
 MESSAGE FROM CONFERENCE CONVENER

Dr. Afshan Huma

Conference Convener NGC 2018

Second National graduate conference was another exciting and learning opportunity for
all of us. Graduate students around the world are busy in their unique and innovative
research projects. Their work is extraordinarily important not only for their own scholarly
achievements but also for the institutions as well as relevant field and industry.
Governments make informed decisions and policy plans on the basis of first hand data
provided by the graduate student researches. Industry brings innovation on the basis of
novel ideas and research of graduate students. In Pakistan we are helping the graduate
students, policy makers and representatives of relevant industry to come together at the
platform of NGC-AIOU. We know for many of the students it if first time ever that they
have presented at a conference at National Level. Our Conference Chairs, Discussants
and Moderators were here for encouraging you all and giving you useful feedback to
improve your papers before you publish them and re-think your projects before you
market them. After witnessing the quality of research I feel confident that the graduates
of Pakistan will bring a better tomorrow to our homeland and the world.
 MESSAGE FROM CONFERENCE SECRETARY

Ms. Nasim Khan Mahsud

Conference Secretary-NGC-2018

It is indeed my distinct honor and privilege to host this official auspicious conference -
NGC-2018. This event took place from 28thAugust to 29th August, 2018, at main campus
of AIOU, in the capital city Islamabad-Pakistan. This conference aims to provide
graduate scholars a forum, discussion, and a networking place where they can share
their finalized or is in process research work of any fields of study, including the natural
sciences, social sciences, behavioral sciences, applied sciences, health sciences,
humanities and arts, arabic & islamic studies, education and so on, at the conference.
Meet inspiring speakers and experts at our conference of disciplinary and
interdisciplinary approaches, within the various faculties of AIOU and across the country
is a promising aspect of this event. This year, we were able to present scholarly work of
graduate students from all parts of the country. I am very hopeful that these graduate
students will lead us towards a sustainable and prospective future.
Every participant, presenter or chair, discussant or audience member, must be thanked
for dedicating his/her time to this 2nd National Graduate Conference (NGC) of AIOU!
 KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Prof. Dr. Asad Zaman is a Professor, Economist and social scientist. He is currently Vice
Chancellor of the Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad. Previously he was
Director General of International Institute of Islamic Economics, International Islamic University
and Islamabad. He earned his PhD in Economics from Stanford University. He is also a member
of Monetary Policy Committee of State Bank of Pakistan and Editor of International
Econometric Review. He has been appointed as member of Economic Advisory Council
formulated by Imran Khan, the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He did a post-Doctoral year at
the Center for Operations Research and Econometrics (CORE), at the Universite Catholique de
Louvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium. His research interests includes: Econometrics, Economics
and Islamic Economics.

Prof. Dr. Seemi Naghmana Tahir is serving a chairperson of department of Mass

Communication, University of Karachi. Previously she was Dean, Faculty of Arts, Federal Urdu
University of Arts, Science & Technology, Abdul Haq Campus, Baba-e- Urdu Road Karachi.
She has earned her PhD in Mass Communication from university of Karachi. She remained a
member of PEMRA 2002-2010, Association for Education in Journalism & Mass
Communication (AEJMC) Columbia USA, and subscriber of AMIC Singapore.

Dr. Muhammad Akhyar Farrukh is serving as Associate Professor of Chemistry at Forman

Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore. He earned PhD in the field of Chemistry in
2003, first postdoctoral research (catalysis) in 2007 in Brazil on a fellowship awarded by the
Academy of Sciences for the Developing World (TWAS), Italy and CNPq, Brazil and second
postdoctoral research (nanomaterials) in 2010 in Malaysia awarded by Universiti Sains Malaysia
(USM) and TWAS. He has been awarded many international and national awards; such as
Young Chemist Award & Young Scientist. He also participated in many international
conferences/trainings sponsored by UNESCO, IUPAC, TWAS, WAYS, UNU, IAP, PSF, AKB
Stiftung, INS, IFA, INN and HEC etc. He is a member of 14 international professional bodies.
 ABSTRACTS PRESENTED IN PARALLEL SESSIONS
Paper ID 183
Paper Title
Abusive Supervision Fosters Employees’ Silence: The Mediating Role of Avoidance Orientation
and Moderating Role of LMX
Abstract
This research study investigates the mediating effects of avoidance orientation (AO) between the
association of abusive supervision (AS) and employees’ silence (ES). It also aims to make a
detailed examination of the LMX moderating role to find out the degree of correlation between
AS and AO. The researchers carried out the current research by conducting a field study,
comprising of (210) full-time employees taken from the hospitality sector of Pakistan to test the
suggested hypotheses. The data were gathered by means of two different times i.e. T1 for AS &
LMX and T2 for AO & ES simultaneously. The results of the present research mainly support
the proposed hypotheses: (1) AS predicts ES (2) AO mediates the association between AS and
ES (3) LMX moderates the association between AS and AO. The paper also discusses the
theoretical implications
Author/s
Aqsa jaleel (Capital university of science and technology, Islamabad) <aqsa.jalil@yahoo.com>
Tanveer Ahmed (Capital university of science and technology, Islamabad)
<teech1978@gmail.com>

Paper ID 261
Paper Title
Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress among University students in Sialkot, Pakistan
Abstract
The main objective of the present study was to explore the prevalence of Depression, anxiety and
stress among university students in Sialkot. Survey research method was used to collect data
from three universities: Government College Women University, Sialkot, The University of
Sialkot and University of Management and Technology, Sialkot. Simple random sampling
technique was used to collect data from 500 university students (N= 500, Females= 248 &
Males=252) within the age range of 18 to 24 years. A self- developed demographic sheet and
DASS (Depression, Anxiety Stress Scale) were used which consists of three self-report scales to
measure the level of depression, anxiety and stress. Data was scored according to the standard
scoring procedure for each subscale and for further analysis frequency distribution method was
applied through statistical package for social sciences (SPSS, 21). The findings of the study
showed the prevalence of Depression within the range of normal (25%), mild (16%), moderate
(35.8%), severe (14.6%) and extremely severe (8.6%). The prevalence of anxiety was found to
be in the range of normal (11.6%), mild (4.4%), moderate (19.4%), severe (17.8%) and
extremely severe (46.8%). Stress was normal (15.6%), mild (33.8%), moderate (35.4%), severe
(13.2%) and extremely severe (2.8%). The means of Total DASS, Depression, Anxiety and stress
are M= 61.18, M=15.08, M=18.24 and M=19.02 respectively. The findings indicate that
symptoms of stress and anxiety are more prevalent than depression in the current sample.
Keywords: Depression, anxiety, stress, students
Author/s
Saba Asif (Department of Psychology, University of Gujarat) <saba.meer38@gmail.com>
Azka Mudassar, Talala Zainab, Mobeen Raouf, Tehmina Pervaiz (Department of Psychology,
Govt. College Women University Sialkot)
Email Address: azka.muddassar1001@gmail.com, zain.zainb35@gmail.com,
mobeenraouf@gmail.com, tehminabhalli@gmail.com

Paper ID 264
Paper Title
Relationship between the Big Five Personality Traits and Intentions to Share Tacit Knowledge:
A case of I.T firms of Pakistan.
Abstract
The paper aims to uncover the relationship between personality traits and tacit knowledge
sharing so as to identify traits in employees which are predominately needed to support a
knowledge sharing culture in an organization. Literature reveals that there is a shortage of studies
addressing this type of relationship and further more the studies available have findings which
are incongruous. For the paper a quantitative and positivist approach is recommended which
relies on survey questionnaire method. At stage one random sampling of I.T firms is suggested
and at stage two convenience sampling for I.T professionals is recommended. For internal
consistency Cronbach Alpha is suggested, for content validity expert evaluation is
recommended. The convergent validity is to be checked through AVE and discriminant validity
is to be checked though the square root of AVE. Finally the paper is concluded with a brief
discussion on the expected results and possible implications are also stated considering the
findings of the previous similar studies.
Author/s
Ayyaz Mahmood (COMSATS University, Islamabad) <ayaz_mahmood@comsats.edu.pk>
Rosmaini Tasmin (Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM)) <rosmaini@uthm.edu.my>
Amina Yousaf (SWINBURNE University of Technology) <ayousaf@swin.edu.au>
Paper ID 265
Paper Title
The impact of Using Scanning Strategy on the Reading Comprehension of the Students at Grade
Eight in District Hafizabad
Abstract
The objective of research was to find out the impact of scanning strategy on the reading
comprehension of students at Grade eight in Hafizabad. Reading comprehension refers to the
reader ability to understand the information of reading text. The use of scanning strategy is
expected to improve the ability of the students reading comprehension skill. Thirty (30) students
of Grade eight was selected as sample from one (01) Public Secondary School of Hafizabad. The
single group pre-test-treatment-post-test design was used. Test was used as research tool. Test
was divided into pre-test and post-test. Pre-test was administered before taught the lessons.
Treatment was given by using scanning strategy. Post-test was administered after treatment. A
paired samples t-test was conducted to compare the mean scores of the pre-test and post-test.
There was a significant difference in the mean scores for post-test (M = 23.93, SD = 2.703) and
pre-test (M = 17.30, SD = 3.313); t(29) = 93.94, P = 0.000). The P-value (0.01) was below 0.05
which suggested that there was statistical significant difference in the t-value. Therefore null
hypothesis Ho: there was no significant impact of scanning strategy on the reading
comprehension of the students, was rejected and alternative hypothesis Ha: there was significant
impact of scanning strategy on the reading comprehension of the students, was accepted. The
findings suggested that there was impact of using scanning strategy on the reading
comprehension of the students at Grade eight in Hafizabad. It is suggested that teachers must use
the scanning strategies for reading comprehension.
Author/s
Habib Ullah (Ph. D Scholar, Department of Education, AIOU) <habibhf9@gmail.com>

Paper ID 254
Paper Title
Perception of HSSC Students’ about 2nd Language Anxiety
Abstract
Despite learning a second language opens the new windows for the development of the human
brain, but most of the students face a lot difficulty to learn metaphor, words, concepts and
specially conversation of second language. This article aimed to investigate the relationship
between second language anxiety and the academic achievement of higher secondary school
students. Anxiety of second language has pulled in much attraction. In any case, little is thought
about whether anxiety of second language influences learners' determination to contemplate a
second language, which is accepted to be an essential beginning condition for learners to have
the capacity to learn the second language adequately. This paper investigated restless learners’
encounters in learning English as a second language keeping in mind the end goal to figure out if
their anxiety influenced their discernment to learn English. A total number of 20 students at
intermediate level in Anam College, Rawalpindi were taken randomly as a sample of the study.
A research tool was developed in relation to second language anxiety and the academic
achievement of HSSC students. The research tool was validated through experts in the field of
education and SPSS was used to find internal consistency (reliability) of the research tool. The
value of Cronbach’s Alpha was found 0.987. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics
by using frequencies, percentages, tables and pie graphs. It was found that students feel
nervousness while attending English class which is again another important factor of second
language classroom anxiety. The reason for this nervousness might be that the students have to
speak without preparation and they felt very conscious about speaking in English in front of
other students.
Keywords: Language anxiety, Second Language, Students Achievement
Author/s
Dr. Tariq Javed (FGEIs (C/G) Dte) <tariqjavedmiu@gmail.com>
Amna Abbas (B.Ed. Student Alllama Iqbal Open University AIOU Islamabad)
<aman.abbas876@gmail.com>

Paper ID 263
Paper Title
Effect of Communicative Approach on Lab Report Writing Skills at Secondary Level in Pakistan
Abstract
Laboratory report writing had not been given importance in teaching of science at various levels
of education. Science students were not competent enough to report their experimental work in
the written form which had been performed by them in the laboratories even at the Bachelors or
Masters level (Drury & Jones, 2010; Fatima, 2012). Students were not trained for laboratory
report writing. Consequently, science students were habitual of cramming the ready-made
material related to the laboratory work .i.e. practical manuals available in the market to attain
good grades in the exams. There was a need of teaching laboratory report writing skills to
science students through the use of different approaches of teaching. This situation motivated the
researcher to investigate the effect of communicative approach on teaching of laboratory report
writing skills at secondary level. This study was quasi experimental in nature. Distinctively, pre-
test-post-test non-equivalent control group design was used in this study. Convenience sampling
technique was used. Two schools were selected as a sample for this study. The test of report
writing was used as an instrument for data collection. The pre-test and post-test were the same.
The validity of test of report writing was judged by expert’s opinion and the reliability was
determined by cronbach’s alpha. Twenty communicative lessons were delivered to the students
of experimental group to teach laboratory report writing and the control group was taught
through the routine practices of teaching of laboratory report writing. The scoring rubrics were
used to mark the scores of students in test in terms of grammar, sequence, mechanics, fluency
and form. Data were analysed through t-test and SPSS software. There was a significant
improvement in the scores of experimental group.
Author/s
Sadaf Zafar (M.Phil (Science Education), Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.)
<sadaf.zafar15@gmail.com>
Dr. Samiullah (AIOU Islamabad) <sami.ullah@aiou.edu.pk>

Paper ID 266
Paper Title
Organizational Forgetting in Universities: A Case Study of Pakistan’s University
Abstract
This conceptual paper focused on organizational forgetting in an organization. The paper covers
theoretical, conceptual and empirical work from several bodies of literature. The first part
presents major theories of organizational forgetting with their theoretical association for
organizational learning and the second part presents a detailed review of literature of different
Cognitive, social and behavioral aspects of organizational forgetting. Findings show that these
three aspects have greater impact for the organizational learning and development. The paper
finds that organizational forgetting in organizational settings is getting popularity and the
learning systems are generating continual organizational renewal through organizational
forgetting.
Author/s
Jamshid Ali Turi (Education, University Malaysia Pahang) <jamshidump@gmail.com>

Paper ID 271
Paper Title
Administrative Problems Faced by Principals in the Degree Colleges of Punjab.
Abstract
Present study was designed to identify the administrative problems faced by principals in the
Govt. degree colleges of Punjab and to suggest possible solutions to reduce these problems. The
population of the study was consisted of principals of Govt. degrees colleges of Punjab. Sample
size of the study was 121 male and female principals. Data were collected through self developed
questionnaire by using survey method. Questionnaire was consisted of 20 close & 3 open ended
questions. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistics. The major
findings of the study revealed that principals were facing problems such as; undue political
interference, scarcity of financial resources, discipline problems, non-cooperative teaching
faculty and untrained IT staff. Principals pointed out some root cusses of the existing problems
which were; non-serious attitude of the official authorities towards education, lack of awareness
among community members regarding importance of education, unstable political system and
undue political interference in education system were the major causes of problems. Moreover,
influential people create problems for the administrators as they demand yearly promotion and
pressurized them for admission. On the basis of findings it was suggested that proper
implementation of merit system, adequate financial resources, provision of trained IT staff, least
interference of politician and check and balance system can overcome these problems.
Keywords: Administrative Problems, Govt. Degree Colleges, Principals, Solutions.
Author/s
Farkhanda jabeen (FJWU) <farkhanda_ansari@yahoo.com>
Hajra BiBi (FJWU) <hajrariaz03@gmail.com>
Aisma BiBi (FJWU) <asmasafoon@gmail.com>

Paper ID 272
Paper Title
Analysis of Pragmatic awareness in English Language Teachers: A case study
Abstract
This research study was conducted to investigate the perception and realization of request and
apology strategies. The underlying motivation for conducting this research was to identify the
sociolinguistic/pragmatic ability of teachers to communicate proficiently in different socio-
cultural contexts while using politeness strategies. The first objective was to analyze the most
frequent request and apology strategies used by Pakistani English Language Teachers (PELTs).
For this purpose, utterances on speech acts were collected via Discourse Completion Test (DCT).
16 situations were employed to elicit written and oral data from 37 PELTs. Data was codified
according to Blum-Kulka (1984) and Cohen & Olshtain (1984, 1989) coding system. Request
strategies were examined with respect to the degree of directness and the use of internal and
external modifications. Contextual variables (power, social distance and imposition) were also
studied. The other issue explored was the investigation of the different patterns of semantic
formulas and mitigating devices used while apologizing. Research findings indicated that
PELTs, despite of few cases of deviations, are able to request and apologize in different contexts.
Reasons of deviations might be the lack of knowledge of linguistics proficiency, pragmatic
transfer or due to cross-cultural variations. However, in order to get thorough insight into
communicative ability, other levels of communicative competence may also be analyzed to get
the clear picture.
Author/s
Sadia Arshad (English Linguistics & Literature, NUST) <sadialive75@hotmail.com>

Paper ID 280
Paper Title
A Comparative Analysis of La Hasil by Umera Ahmad and its English Translation Hollow
Pursuits with Reference to Chesterman’s Theory of Memes
Abstract
La Hasil, a magnum opus of Umera Ahmad, is translated into English as Hollow Pursuits by
Yasmin Qureshi. Translating a text from one language into another demands transference of
message. In this act, the translator makes changes, through the selection of words at syntactic,
semantic and pragmatic level, to bring the TT equivalent to the ST. As Urdu and English are two
culturally different languages thus any inappropriate treatment of words would provide a totally
new meaning to the text. Therefore, the research is planned to analyze the semantic and cultural
inadequacies faced by the translator besides the emotional feeling and terseness of expression
that is shifted from the Urdu text into the English. The current study proposes the following
objective (i) to identify semantic and cultural inadequacies in the translation of La Hasil. A
qualitative analysis of the contents of ST and TT has been carried out by scrutinizing and
categorizing the elements of syntactic, semantic and pragmatic translation shifts according to
Chesterman’s (1997) translation method. Tracing the major/ remarkable elements of translation
shifts in TT, the researcher has employed Nida’s (1964) model of translation to bring syntactic,
semantic and pragmatic equivalence of the source text in achieving dynamic equivalence in
translated target text. The findings and conclusion proof that the translation of the novel is a
dynamic translation as it advocates Nida’s four basic requirements in achieving equivalent
response. The study further helps the researcher in coining new terms in the field of translation
as well.
Author/s
Muqaddas Inayat (M.Phil English Linguistics, NUML) <muqaddasinayat@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 287
Paper Title
Impact of E-Youth Initiative on Students Regarding Use of IT Resources, Research Activities
and Academic Excellence at University Level
Abstract
A number of countries are assisting their students in different ways of technological
advancement for their better education. Considering the importance of technology in academic
activities of the students Punjab government decided to facilitate its talented public sector
students through e-youth initiative (Free Laptops Awards) that was also followed by Prime
Minister Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif. Government is spending millions of rupees on
providing laptops to the Government sector students that is why I am interested to conduct a
research on this initiative to analyze to what extent students are being benefited through the use
of IT resources, their performance in research activities and their academic excellence at
university level. Quantitative approach will be used in this study. The study will be descriptive in
nature. Survey method will be used to identify the impact of e-youth initiative on students
regarding use of IT resources, research activities and academic excellence at university level. All
the laptop awardee university students who are currently studying in the following programs,
B.S.Ed., BS (Hons), B.Ed. (Hons), Masters, Mphil/MS and PhD will be the population of the
study. Multi-stage random sampling technique will be used. One thousand laptop awardee
university students will be selected randomly throughout the public sector universities of
province Punjab. Researcher will collect the data through self-developed and validated
questionnaire. Data will be analyzed by using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques.
Keywords: e-youth initiative, IT resources, research activities, academic excellence
Author/s
Sonia Iram (University of Education) <soniairam2010@yahoo.com>
Ijaz Ahmed (University of Education) <tatlah@ue.edu.pk>
Misbah Malik (University of Education) <misbahmalik@ue.edu.pk>

Paper ID 288
Paper Title
Relationship between Personality Traits and Job Satisfaction of University Teachers
Abstract
Personality describes a person’s way of thinking, feeling and behaving. Big five personality traits
are: Extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, openness and neuroticism. Job Satisfaction
is an attitude of an employee towards his job. This study was descriptive in nature and survey
method was used. To measure the personality traits of teachers researcher adopted NEO- FFI
personality inventory and for job satisfaction of teachers developed a questionnaire. Both scores
measured on five point Likert type scale. Data was collected from public and private university
teachers of District Lahore. The sample was 300 university teachers whereas respondents were
286. Finding revealed that their personality traits agreeableness; conscientiousness, extraversion
and openness were highly significant and positively correlated with job satisfaction. Neuroticism
was also highly significant but negatively correlated with job satisfaction.
Keywords: Personality traits, job satisfaction, big five model
Author/s
Saba Farooq (University of Education) <sabafarooq9999@gmail.com>
Ijaz Ahmed (University of Education) <tatlah@ue.edu.pk>
Misbah Malik (University of Education) <misbahmalik@ue.edu.pk

Paper ID 205
Paper Title
Fabrication of EPDM Based Thermal Protection System. Mechanical, Thermal, Electrical,
Ablative and Morphological Investigations
Abstract
The research work is related to the understanding of the effects of fillers loadings on thermal and
ablation performances of ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM). The EPDM used in this
investigation is of two types, EPDM-Esprene 501 A and EPDM-Keltan® 4869 DE. Different
recipes are made with two types of EPDM by changing their percentage. The most widely used
filler in EPDM is asbestos. But due to the health and environmental hazards posed by asbestos
and requirements of space technology, efforts have been initiated for its replacement. In current
research, the effects of Vulkasil-C, Asbestos and Carbon Fiber and also the variation of EPDMs
on thermal and ablation performances of EPDM based thermal insulators have been investigated.
Various batches were prepared by compounding EPDM with various percentages of Vulkasil-C,
Asbestos and Carbon Fiber and varying the amount of EPDM in the presences of other necessary
ingredients such as curing agents, accelerators, activators and process aids etc. Experimental
evidences showed that Vulkasil-C had not only enhanced mechanical properties but also
improved thermal and ablation performance of EPDM based thermal insulations. However,
Vulkasil-C also increased density and thermal conductivity of the thermal insulations, which
were the limitations of EPDM loaded with high concentration of Vulkasil-C as far as thermal
insulation for space application was concerned. The insulation material mostly used in aerospace
vehicles is NBR base. The problem with this material is that it becomes brittle at -500C and
deboning starts. The purpose of this investigation is to eliminate this problem.
Author/s
Ghulam Qasim (M.Phil-Chemistry, AIOU) <Qasim80pk1@gmail.com>
Nasima Arshad (M.Phil-Chemistry, AIOU) <nasimaa2006@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 211
Paper Title
Myth making in Sarwat Hussain's Ghazal
Abstract
Sarwat Hussain is a well known modern Urdu poet. His poetry presents a blend of modern and
romantic elements in a mythical context. An aesthetico-spirittual charm and a kind of romantic
ecstasy enhance the mythical spell of his verse. The creation of mythological atmosphere
beautifies his style and thoughts in charismatic way. This paper comprises on the study of myth
making in his Ghazal.
Author/s
Syed Zaidi (Urdu literature, UON) <syedbabarzaidi@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 216
Paper Title
Capacity Building and Open & Distance Learning (O.D.L) Education: Influences on Economic
Empowerment of Youth
Abstract
Potential contribution of ODL education system in empowerment of individuals is evident
globally now. This study is based on the role of Allama Iqbal Open University as ODL
institution for education in empowering youth economically. Data was gathered via
questionnaire from 170 male and female students by using purposive sampling technique. In the
light of this quantitative research study majority of the respondents having the opinion that ODL
education enabling individuals to select with choice career oriented jobs, individual skills
developing for abilities to perform effectively assigned task during job, and enabling youth to
establish their own businesses. AIOU empowering youth individually to have decision making
power for the growth of business and ensuring youth Less-Financial dependence on family. It
opens ways for individuals to attain life skills to earn their livelihood. AIOU education play vital
role in improving living standards for youth by making them skilled individually and improving
youth’s control over family resources by enhanced economic contribution. Education from
AIOU also increases youth’s access to economic resources including jobs, financial services. The
study found that there is a strong relationship between Allama Iqbal Open University's as (ODL)
education system and youth’s economic empowerment. AIOU enhancing youth capacity to
understand social issues which in returns enabling them to contribute positively towards the
society.
Keywords: Youth Empowerment, Education, AIOU, Open and Distance Learning, Economic
Empowerment
Author/s
Nasim Khan Mahsud (Department of Sociology, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad)
<nasim.khan@aiou.edu.pk>
Rehan Akram (Department of Sociology, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad),
<mr.rehan65@gmail.com>
Paper ID 225
Paper Title
Barriers in learning English as a Second Language at Secondary School level
Abstract
After partition, English is being used as an international language in Pakistan. Being as a
compulsory subject, English is enjoying a powerful status of medium of instruction. On one
hand, English language is becoming a matter of great affair. But on the other hand, our students
are facing many challenges to learn English as a second language. Consequently, students use to
hide their skills behind a wall. This wall can be defined as psychological, social and emotional
barriers. Current study aimed to highlight the barrier which hinders students learning English as
a second language and explored how teachers assessed these students’ academic needs. Data was
collected from 5 different high schools from city Rawalpindi by interviewing both mainstreamed
English language learners and their content teachers. Findings revealed that lack of motivation,
fear of failure/fear of becoming a laughing stock in front of their class fellows, low self-esteem,
lack of social support, teaching approaches of speaking and writing skills, emotional Interference
and the shortage of language teachers are cited as a more challenging regime by students and act
as a barrier in learning and communicating in English. Further results of the teachers’ interviews
showed that teachers were not offered any kind of in-service training or refresher courses to
enhance their teaching skills. Moreover, English teachers are forced to teach subjects other than
English. Untrained and Overburdened teachers do not pay full attention to any subject including
methods for teaching of English. To minimize difficulties of teachers and students, special
attentions is needed, in order to meet international needs.
Keywords: Language, Refresher, Barriers, Challenging, International.
Author/s
Salma Khurshid (English Language and Applied Linguistics, AIOU)
<salmakiani87@gmail.com>
Saba khurshid (English Language and Applied Linguistics, Foundation University Islamabad)
<sabakiani8@gmail.com>

Paper ID 226
Paper Title
Communicative Language Testing: Do question papers of communication skill at BS level
measure student’s communicative skills?
Abstract
The present study evaluates the question papers of Communication Skills, a course taught at BS
(Bachelor of Science) level at various Pakistani universities. The study explores how far the final
question papers of the course measure the communicative competence of students. This study is
qualitative in nature and the data has been collected from four universities of Islamabad through
survey method. The theoretical perspective of the research is the communicative competence
theory by Dell Hymes in 1972. This theory talks about communicative competence, which is also
explained by Brown in the communicative language testing model. The selected question papers
are analyzed in light of Brown‟s (2005) communicative language testing framework to see
whether the question papers measure the communicative competence of BS students. The study
found that communicative language testing, which is a practical approach of testing
Communication Skills course is not fully followed in the selected papers. Unfortunately, this
approach is not seen to be followed in our universities. Question papers are designed to check
what a Communication Skill subject is, and not how to communicate well. The study
recommends that such items that test the communicative competence of students must also be
included in the question paper.
Keywords: Communication skill, communicative competence, languae testing
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Ayesha Bibi (COMSATS University) <assh.3001@gmail.com>
Abdul Hafeez (IMCB G-11/1, ISlamabad) <Tangible_hafeez@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 227
Paper Title
Study on Measuring the Motivational Factors of Students to Obtain Master and Doctoral Degree
Program
Abstract
Education is a basic human right and multiple variables influence individuals’ decision to seek
higher education. The present study was conducted to study the motivational variables in seeking
higher education. A sample from students enrolled in Higher educational degree programs was
selected from universities. Motivation Factors for Graduate Students in the Pursuit of Master and
Doctoral Degree Research questionnaire by Mujtaba (2009) was used for data collection. Data
was analyzed by using correlation, t-test and ANOVA. The results showed variables like; family
structure, residential city, marital status and educational level of mothers showed noteworthy
effect on motivation of students to seek master and doctoral degree programs, while working
status of parents, background of student and educational level of fathers did not appear to have
any impact on motivations of students. Moreover, the results revealed gender differences among
students in motivations to seek higher education. In this study negative correlation was found
between personal development and age, whereas positive correlation was found between
personal development, career switching and career enhancement. Additionally, significant
positive correlation was explored between environmental variable, career switching and personal
income, whereas career switching is found to be negatively correlated with mother income and
students’ age. Besides this no correlation was found between environmental variable, fathers’
income and personal income. In the future, it is suggested that the government, universities and
policy makers should take steps to increase the enrolment rate at higher.
Keywords: Education, Family, Motivation, Income, Age
Author/s
Sadia Khan (Gender and Development Studies, Lahore College for Women University)
<sadiyakhanlcwu@gmail.com>

Paper ID 228
Paper Title
Analyzing the impact of Peer teaching on Academic skills of Beginners in a University of
interior Sindh.
Abstract
Teaching is considered to be the responsibility of a teacher. But will it be helpful in learning as
well as getting good grades, if a friend or fellow teaches? Asit is known that University demands
self-directed learners and being new in University environment requires an enormous struggle to
survive. This study aims to address the impact of peer teaching on academic skills of beginners
in a University of interior Sindh. As per the observation of new comers in University, it was
concluded that these students face number of challenges and the only solution which they get is
“peer-teaching”. Literature says,it helps in improving academic skills and grades of
students(Greenwood, Delquadri, & Hall, 1984; Maheady, Harper, & Sacca, 1988; Maheady,
Sacca, & Harper, 1988). So, keeping this all in mind, a qualitative research design with data
collection tools as participatory observation of foundation semester classes, semi-structured
interviews from students and peer tutors, and documentary reviews of their results were selected
and implemented. The thematic analysis reveals that peer teaching not only helps in developing
academic skills and good grades of beginners, but it also helps peer-tutors as well as peer-tutees
to develop confidence and motivation to become self-directed learners for successfully surviving
at University. This research is recommending in-service teachers, to involve students of zero
semester in peer teaching process as well as to initiate peer tutor centers.
Author/s
Aisha Naz Ansari (Education, Sukkur IBA University) <aishanaz.ed15@iba-suk.edu.pk>
Harish Kumar (Education, Sukkur IBA University) <harishkumar.ed15@iba-suk.edu.pk>
Paper ID 229
Paper Title
Reconstruction of Basic Scientific Concepts through Interactive and Innovative Teaching
Strategies in a public school of Rural Sindh
Abstract
As Science is subjective in nature, the way of its interpretation for everyone is based on its
epistemology; it has many different assumptions which eventually develop new knowledge
based on experiences in students (Lederman, 1998 &Abd-El-Khalick, et al 1998). Hence, the
question for this study was to evoke existing ideas and then restructure the concepts as to enable
students to reconstruct the new scientific knowledge. Keeping in mind students’ way of learning,
constructivist approach along with some interactive and innovative scientific pedagogies was
planned and implemented. As the aim was to reconstruct students’ basic scientific concepts on
which all the scientific knowledge is based, qualitative action research was implemented to
conduct this study. Here, our population was primary students with a random sample. The
findings suggest that these basic scientific concepts can be reconstructed through variety of
teaching methods which allow students to be actively involved in learning and visualize the
concepts. At the end, this study is recommending policy makers and teachers to focus on these
strategies in order to develop and promote basic scientific concepts, thinking, and reasoning in
students.
Author/s
Aisha Naz Ansari (Education, Sukkur IBA University) <aishanaz.ed15@iba-suk.edu.pk>
Asma Abbasi (Education, Sukkur IBA University) <asma.ed15@iba-suk.edu.pk>
Unaeza Alvi (Education, Sukkur IBA University) <unaeza.alvi@iba-suk.edu.pk>

Paper ID 349
Paper Title
Growing Trends of Insane Beauty Standards among Young Girls in Islamabad
Abstract
This paper deals with the phenomenon of insane beauty standards from the perspective of
sociology. It's based on the key theoretical approaches that view insane beauty standards as a
marker of class and competition of wealth, but also as an expression of one's individuality. The
aim of the study is to find out what are insane beauty standards of the fashion industry based on a
special focus on university girls. This research also explores the connections between insane
beauty standards and cultural environment, and the analysis of insane beauty standards among
the young girls. The research data will be collected from respondents of the fashion industry,
beauty salons, and female university students by employing mix method approach. Participant
observation and questionnaire tools will be used for this research. the researcher will observe
daily work of beauty salons together with the influences affecting the production of fashion, and
the making of new beauty standards. Attention will also be paid to the regular customers who
frequently visit the beauty salons and use its services.
Keywords: Beauty trends, Insane Beauty, beauty salons, fashion industry, beauty standards
Author/s
Nasim Mahsud (Department of Sociology, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad)
<nasim.khan@aiou.edu.pk>
Ayesha Malik (AIOU) <aweshamalik@gmail.com>

Paper ID 233
Paper Title
Gendered vehicles in Quetta
Abstract
Discourse is always political and ideological. The purposes of this study were to explore and
understand gendered ideologies in the discourse inscribed on public vehicles in Quetta,
Balochistan. By public vehicles, we mean auto-rickshaws, busses, trucks, and tractors. We
captured 20 pictures of various public vehicles at different main roads of the Quetta city such as
Sariab Road, Airport Road, Western Bypass, and Liaquat Bazaar Road. For analyzing the
gendered ideologies, we used Framing, Foregrounding, Backgrounding, and Presupposition as
our analytical tools. The study found that woman has been constructed in the discourse (a) as a
source of fortune, (b) as a source of greatness and blessing, (c) as a fool, (d) as someone who is
pretentious, and, (e) as a disloyal human being. The study suggests that whatever is written on
the public vehicles may not be taken as neutral.
Author/s
Abdul Wakeel (Department of English, BUITEMS) <wakeel.kakar81@gmail.com>
Habib Achakzai (Department of English, BUITEMS) <habibraznoor876@gmail.com>

Paper ID 234
Paper Title
A Comparative Study of Student’s Attitude towards Biology at Secondary School Level
Abstract
The issue of attitude towards science remains one of enduring focus. The purpose of the study
was to get an insight of student’s attitude towards Biology. Population of the study consisted of
all boys and girls enrolled science students in public Schools of Kahuta, Rawalpindi. A sample
of 120 boys and girls secondary school students was systematically selected from the population.
The data was collected through a self-constructed Biology Attitude Test. The reliability of the
tool was 0.87. The attitude test was subdivided into six indicators such as interest toward
biology, career in biology field, importance of biology, biology teacher, difficulties faced in
biology and laboratory equipment. The data was analyzed by applying t-test. A non significant
difference was found among science students regarding interest towards biology, importance of
biology and difficulty in biology while significant difference was found regarding other
indicators such as future career in biology, biology teacher and equipment got non-significant
values. Overall no significant difference was found regarding attitude of boys and girls towards
biology at secondary level.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU), <farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk>
Lubna Shaheen CH. (PhD Scholar, Science Education Department, AIOU)
<lubna_idrak@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 235
Paper Title
Effect of Students Anxiety on Mathematics achievement at Secondary Level
Abstract
This study was conducted to explore the effect of Mathematics anxiety on achievement of
science students. The objectives of research were to find the effect of Anxiety on the
performance of the students and to compare the effct on academic performance of the girls and
boys. Science Students of all Islamabad model Schools were the population of the study. Two
schools one boys and one girls were selected through cluster sampling technique. Fifty boys and
fifty girls were selected as sample. A questionnaire on likert scale was developed and validated
by experts. Data was collected and analyzed using SPSS software. It was found that Mathematics
anxiety exist in students and effect the achievement of the students. Further it was found that
have more anxiety in Mathematics as compared to anxiety in boys. It was concluded that
Mathematics anxiety effect the achievement of the students. It is further recommended that
parents and teachers should provide confidence and encouragement to the students at all level.
Keywords: Mathematics Anxiety, performance
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (Science Education, AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Tahira Yousaf (Science Education, AIOU) tahirayou84@gmail.com
Abdul Hafeez (Science Education, AIOU)
Paper ID 239
Paper Title
Strategies Adopted by School Instructors in Opposition to Unwanted Students Behaviors’
Discovered in Schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi
Abstract
The reason of this study is to determine undesirable behaviors of school students and to discover
the strategies implemented via instructors for changing those unwanted behaviors. The data of
this study had been acquired through a survey evolved by way of the researcher. This survey
which includes three open-ended questions was implemented to 105 teachers and the records
collected were assessed using descriptive evaluation method. Undesirable pupil behaviors that
teachers stumble upon in the classroom seem to be speaking without asking permission for it,
strolling round in the school room without permission, continuously complaining about buddies
and speaking disrespectfully to the teachers. Tt's far determined that the primary school teachers
who participated inside the studies use for converting these undesirable behaviors the approach
of reminding classroom guidelines, giving advices, caution trough eye touch, changing seats of
college students and complaining approximately the student to his/her mother and father.. The
study aimed to identify the undesirable school students’ behaviors in instructional classrooms,
and the disciplinary and preventive strategies to be utilized by teachers to manipulate the
behaviors from the perspective of the schools of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. As statistical
analysis, chi square test was applied to the data gathered, chi-square statistic calculated was
2.9598. The p-value was .085361. This result was significant at p <0.10.
Keywords: Unwanted students behaviors, Strategies.
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (Education, AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Sidra Badshah (Education, AIOU Student) <sidrabadshah@yahoo.com>
Abdul Hafeez (Education, IMCB G-11/1, Islamabad) <Tangible_hafeez@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 221
Paper Title
Textbooks as Arena of Cultural Invasion in Pakistan: A Content Evaluation of English at
Intermediate Level
Abstract
Textbooks and other materials used in language learning generally present a certain way of
looking at the world, ostensibly, through the cultural lens of the author. To meet the different
challenges related to cultural invasion posited by the English writers and poets there is a strong
need to check these textbooks against the cultural and pedagogical needs of the Pakistani
learners. Therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the reading content of English textbooks
used at Intermediate level to identify what range of cultural references is represented in these
textbooks and also particularly, whose cultures are represented in the content of Pakistani
English textbooks through which the researcher tries to argue that western in general and
American cultural invasion in particular is in practice presently. This paper used primarily
qualitative research approach in which the content analysis of English textbooks currently taught
at intermediate level was carried out to find out the cultural representation and their relevance to
the learners’ needs. Results show that the representation of the target culture and the
international target culture is far greater in the textbooks as compared to that of the learner
culture, which seems to be a silent promotion of western values and social set up. The paper
finally suggests regarding improvement in the English language textbooks in Pakistan that the
textbooks should be the reflection of cultural, religious, social and geographical background of
the learners to attain maximum educational goals.
Keywords: Culture, Content Analysis, Textbooks, Sociological sense culture.
Author/s
Tanveer Baig (English Language and Applied Linguistics, BZU, Multan)
tanveerbaig@hotmail.com

Paper ID 230
Paper Title
Différance, Erasure & Edward Albee’s The American Dream

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to explore and examine the American Dream and Edward
Albee’s The American Dream by applying Jacques Derrida’s theory of Deconstruction and his
two deconstructive terms, Differance and Erasure to expose and illustrate the ugliness,
malformation and disintegration of postmodern American society and Individual. Edward
Albee’s The American Dream as a postmodern American play divulges the real condition of
American society and culture which is totally contaminated with materialism, shallowness,
indifference and social and moral alienation. The reality of modern American Dream and its
effects on common American has been discussed in detail in this paper. The purpose of
Derridean Deconstructive terms Differance and Erasure is to examine the language of the plays
written by Albee and to investigate into the issues of Chaos, disorder and disillusionment.

Keywords: American Dream, Derrida, Differance, Erasure, alienation, indifference, chaos.

Author/s

Faiza Zaheer (Forman Christian College University, Lahore) <faizazaheer76@gmail.com>

Paper ID 292
Paper Title
Effectiveness of Using Psychology-based Community Services for the Children Suffering with
Cancer and for their parents
Abstract
Childhood cancer, a chronic life-threatening disease, is one of the leading cause of death among
children, under the age of 15. Rate of cancer is slightly increasing in the recent decades.
Diagnosis of cancer is a life changing event that can be catalyst for mental health problems, not
only for the patients but also for their family. Psychological support matters at every stage of
deadly disease of cancer. Current study aimed to highlight the usefulness of psychology-based
community services for the children, who are fight back with cancer, and for their parents. For
research purpose, children admitted at Oncology ward in Rawalpindi, and their parents were
selected as a sample of the study. After collecting baseline observational data of cancer patients
from their parents and doctors, patients were divided into groups according to the community
services activity plan. Researcher then applied psychology-base activities such as art therapy,
anger-control and play therapy. In addition, researcher conducted a group therapy session for
parents as well in order to improve their emotional and psychological well-being. Finding
revealed that psychology-based community services are very productive for the patients and for
their parents. After attending therapy sessions, participants were able to manage their stress and
tension in a positive way. Hence, it was concluded that using psychology-based interventions
bring mental relief not only for children but also for their parents. Moreover, such intervention
help to enhance the patients and care taker well-being and develop skills for coping and caring in
deadly diseases. It was recommended that for achieving better results in treatment, doctors must
use psychology-based interventions with Medical treatment.
Keywords: Cancer, Community services, Depression, Interventions, Treatment.
Author/s
Saba Khurshid (Clinical Psychology, Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus)
<sabakhurshid145@gmail.com>

Paper ID 318
Paper Title
Microbiological and Sensitivity Profile of Uropathogens in Pregnant Women with Asymptomatic
and Symptomatic UTI.
Abstract
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) are the most common bacterial infection during pregnancy. UTI
is characterized by the presence and proliferation of bacteria in the Urinary Tract. UTI can cause
serious maternal complications during pregnancy if left untreated. It increases the risk of
mortality and morbidity in neonates. Six months cross sectional study was conducted in Benazir
Bhutto Hospital (BBH) to determine the incidence and antibiotic susceptibility profile of
uropathogens causing asymptomatic and symptomatic UTI in pregnancy. Based on inclusion
criteria 346 pregnant women were screened for presence of UTI. The urine samples with ≥105
pus cells were cultured on Cystine Lactose Electrolyte Deficient (CLED) medium. E.coli was
found to be the leading cause of UTI accounting for 30.3% of the cases, followed by Klebsiella
(6.4%). The incidence of asymptomatic UTI was 52% while that of symptomatic was 50.8%
among pregnant women. Sensitivity profiles indicated fosfomycin as a highly effective (70-
100%) drug against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. Our study signifies the
importance of screening and treatment of UTI with antibiotics after checking sensitivity pattern.
Author/s
Komal nawaz (Microbiology, AIOU) <kominaz16@gmail.com>
Uswa Siddique (Microbiology, AIOU) <uswasiddique@gmail.com>
Rizwana Kousar (Microbiology, AIOU) <rizwana_aiou@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 320
Paper Title
Basti; A novel 'history' 'personal memory' and 'collective memory'
Abstract
Events of partition(s) of India and later the Fall of Dacca as seen through the eyes of Zakir, the
protagonist of the Basti, Intazar Hussain’s classic novel, this article is an attempt to explore the
relation between ‘history’ and ‘memory’. The novel takes several flashbacks and the story is told
in the form of stream of consciousness where one catastrophic event alludes to the one passed
before it. The article borrows its theoretical insights from ‘cultural amnesia’, a concept framed
by Natalie Davis and Randolph Starn. At the heart of this ‘cultural amnesia’ is the idea that
certain events are consciously remembered while others are deliberately forgotten or wiped out
from the collective memory. In this way the projects of nationalism is built on basis of memories
of some individuals or group of individuals while memories of others are silenced and muted.
Both Davis and Starn have contested the traditional belief that memory is biological while
history is socially constructed. Zakir is a migrant from India who settles down in Lahore but the
events he was part of run through his mind all the time he spends in the new city. His memory
works like a chain reaction; the memory of the violence in East Pakistan leads to the catastrophic
events of the partition of India and the events of partition take him back to the stories of
atrocities during the war of 1857 narrated to him by his father. Zakir recalls all those violent
events in a very personal and somewhat apolitical manner. The paper argues that history is
always constructed through collective memory while the personal and individual memories of
people such as Zakir remain suppressed and forgotten.
Author/s
Amish Askri (History and Literature, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad)
<amishhasan80@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 314

Paper Title

Development of Nitrile Butadiene Based Ablative Material by Using Waste of Phenolic

Composite

Abstract

In this study we investigated the ablative response and thermal properties of Silica-Phenolic
composite waste (SP) & Phenolic Resin (PR) blended acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)
composites. SP and PR were added into NBR in varying proportions (0 ~ 150 phr) by means of
two-roll laboratory mill. The ablative properties of the produced materials were studied using an
oxy-acetylene torch. Both SP and PR remarkably improved ablation resistance and thermal
properties of NBR/SP/PR composite. The linear and mass ablation rates reduced to 17.5 % and
19.4 % respectively. The char content deposition increased from 0.19 to 29.1 %. Char layer
produced by SP and PR, obviously reduced the erosion rate of the ablative composite relative to
neat NBR (without SP/PR). Detailed morphological studies of the composite and post-test
(ablation) microstructure of char revealed that incorporation of both SP/PR in the rubber
composite produced dense char layer firmly intact to the substrate. Silica spheres of varying sizes
are clearly visible inside the pores and cavities formed by PR. Furthermore, thermal stability of
the composite improved by 36~37 ºC with increase in char residues. Slight rise in thermal
conductivity of the composite was observed with increase in filler loading (SP & PR). 0.317
Wm/K was the highest value of thermal conductivity observed for SP/PR loading (100/50Phr). In
addition to ablative performance, a significant enhancement in mechanical properties was
observed due to SP & PR loading.

Author/s

Rashid Nawaz (Chemistry Dept. AIOU Islamabad) <rashidnawaz9472@gmail.com>

Dr. Naghmana Rashid (Chemistry Dept. AIOU Islamabad) <naghmana.rashid@aiou.edu.pk>

Noaman Ul- Haq (Department of Chemical Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information

Technology, Lahore) <noamanulhaq@ciitlahore.edu.pk
Paper ID 325

Paper Title

Synthesis and characterization of graphene based nano composites and their photocatalytic
activity

Abstract

The aim of the present work is the synthesis of the graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene
oxide (rGO) supported CeO2-NP’s by novel sol gel method and polyolreduction method the
enhancement of the photocatalytic activity. Different dispersions of GO/CeO2 nanocomposites
were prepared i.e. (GO/CeO2 (5%), (GO/CeO2 (10%), (GO/CeO2 (15%), (rGO/CeO2 (5%),
(rGO/CeO2 (10%) (rGO/CeO2 (15%). Results were characterized by using UV-Vis
spectrophotometer, TGA, FT-IR, SEM and XRD techniques. The photoactivity of each
composite was investigated under UV light by decolorizing 10 ppm solution of yellow 27 as a
model reaction. The photoactivity of both GO/CeO2 and rGO/CeO2 were compared.
Photoactivity under UV light has achieved effectively. Results showed that CeO2 - NP’s were
deposited on the surface of GO and rGO in the form of nanoparticles and activity has been
enhanced effectively. Recycling of the catalysts showed that rGO/CeO2 and GO/CeO2 (15%
dispersion) possesses high photocatalytic efficiency even when repeatedly used for 5 cycles.

Author/s

Sher Qadar (Organic Chemistry, AIOU) <sherqadar@gmail.com>

Paper ID 322

Paper Title

Curriculum Design and Implementation Post 18th Amendment: A Case of Sindh

Abstract

This article investigates the performance of Sind after devolution of the subject of education in
the aftermath of 18th constitutional amendment. The paper shows how curriculum design is
linked to network of powers and how a change in distribution of power networks can change the
dynamics of curriculum design.( John Law, Actor-Network Theory). The amendment was passed
in the spirit of greater provincial autonomy. Keeping in view the diversity of history and cultures
of the federating units, the subject of education was devolved to the provinces. The policy and
planning on the education had been the collective responsibility of the federal and the provincial
government in pre-devolution period. The 18th amendment devolved the policy, planning and
curriculum design to provinces. The evaluation of the performance of Sind government in the
wake of devolution remains an important question for the analysis. The article makes use of
government reports, data from organizations and policy experts and interviews from different
stakeholders including parents and teachers. The paper shows that the performance of Sind in
taking up this new responsibility has been dismally low as it has been marked by confusion and
inaction post 18th amendment.

Author/s

Mariya Shahani (Education, Quaid-e-Azam University.) <mariaa.nazar@gmail.com>

Paper ID 329

Paper Title

Fiscal Policy and Economic Growth: Does Its Components Matters In Pakistan?

Abstract

The sharp increase in borrowing along with the other circumstances will lead to the fiscal
inflation. It needs structural fiscal adjustment on all forms of government’s spending to avoid the
unnecessary fiscal deficits. In Pakistan sustained increase in fiscal deficit cause government
borrowing to increase manifold and has an inverse impact on economic growth. This study is an
attempt to highlight the impact of fiscal policy on economic growth. Data for the period 1972-
2016 has been used for the analysis. After checking the unit root for the time series by using
ADF econometric analysis has been done with ARDL bound testing approach. Positive
association has been observed between economic growth with Net-tax revenue, industrial sector
growth, and Domestic credit. Government Consumption portrayed positive and significant
association in long run with economic growth of Pakistan while, the Military expenditures
statistically significant but negative association with economic growth.

Author/s

Fouzia Yasmin (The women university, Multan) fouziayasmin786@yahoo.com

Hina Ali (The women university, Multan) <hinaali@wum.edu.pk>

Samia Aslam (The women university, Multan) <samiaaslam@wum.edu.pk>

Paper ID 330

Paper Title

How Parents Decide about the Quality of School

Abstract

Every parent wants his child to study in good school so that he/she is educated in a well-
managed educational environment. The decision done by they are dependent on a lot of various
types of factors like social, economic and cultural. Status of education or education system of
Pakistan had always been discussed previously in many studies but the determinants that control
or influence school choice among parents are yet to be explored deeply. This study aims at
exploring all the possible determinants of parental school choice. The study flows qualitatively
with vibrant literature review, and collected parental opinions about their choice of schools
through semi-structured interviews from 50 parents selected conveniently from District Lahore.
The researcher found many factors like approachability, affordability, quality, learning
environment, locality, infrastructure, quality of teaching staff and many more like that being
prominent for choosing school. Parents gathered information about particular school from
sources like peer, neighbours, family, workplace, or prospectus of schools. The study is valuable
for others parents, schools and policymakers so that they can reform their quality according to
parental perception about a good school.

Keywords: Parents' decision, school quality

Author/s

Ashraf Sajid (University of Education) <ashrafsajid59@yahoo.com>

Ijaz Ahmed (University of Education) <tatlah@ue.edu.pk>

Misbah Malik (University of Education) <misbahmalik@ue.edu.pk>

Paper ID 334

Paper Title

The Predictive Role of Emotion Regulation Strategies on Mental Wellbeing of Health Care
Professionals

Abstract

The Health Care Professionals being the providers of health and cure to the patients often
overlook their own mental wellbeing. The effective emotion regulation can be helpful in
achieving a sound mental health. Emotion regulation is the ability to monitor, analyse, and
modify emotional reactions by involving goal directed processes. The ability to do productive
work and to form productive relations also depends upon effective emotion regulation strategies
which are considered as a vital constituent of mental wellbeing. The present study aimed to
investigate the role of emotion regulation strategies in predicting mental wellbeing along with
gender differences in emotion regulation and mental wellbeing of health care professionals (N=
200). The predictive role of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in determining
mental wellbeing were examined. The sample included Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Nurses and
General practitioners. Emotion regulation was operationalized by using Emotion Regulation
Questionnaire (Gross & John, 2003) and mental wellbeing was assessed through using Warwick
Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (Tennant et al., 2007). Data was analysed through simple
Linear Regression and independent sample t-test. The findings highlighted a strong predictive
role of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression in mental wellbeing. Female health care
professionals were found out to be high on cognitive reappraisal and mental wellbeing than male
counterparts. No gender difference reported on expressive suppression.

Keywords: Emotion Regulation, Cognitive Reappraisal, Expressive Suppression, Mental

Wellbeing, Health Care professionals

Author/s

Aasia Faiz (Govt Waqar-Un-Nisa College for women, Rawalpindi) <aasiafaiz26@gmail.com>

Dr. Mamoona Ismail (Assistant Professor, IIUI) <Mamoona.ismail@iiu.edu.pk>

Sana Nawaz (Superior Group of Colleges, Islamabad) <sana_nawz1288@hotmail.com>

Paper ID 335

Paper Title

The Impact of Resilience on Suicidal Ideation Among Institutionalized Orphans

Abstract

Children at orphanages are at high risk to experience mental health problems, like depression,
stress and suicidal ideation. However, there is considerable variability in outcomes, and
somehow the vulnerability to mental health issues can be reduced by the presence of resilience
which is a protective factor that can change, improve or modify a person’s reaction to
environmental hazards. Suicidal ideation is a risk factor and orphans who experience suicidal
thoughts are less resilient. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of resilience on
suicidal ideation of orphan. Gender differences in resilience and suicidal ideation were also
explored. Sample of 200 institutionalized orphans (100 male and 100 female) with 12 to 18 years
of age was utilized through convenience sampling technique. To consider variables Beck suicidal
ideation scale (Ayub, 2008) and Ego resilience scale(Nangina,2002) were utilized. For data
analysis, simple linear regression and independent sample t-tests were used. It was evident from
the results that resilience significantly predicted suicidal ideation among orphans. Further study
findings revealed that female orphans were high on suicidal ideation than male but no gender
difference was found in resilience.

Keywords: Institutionalized Orphans, Resilience, Suicidal ideation

Author/s

Sana Nawaz (Superior Group of Colleges, Islamabad) <sana_nawaz1288@hotmail.com>

Mussarat Jabeen (International Islamic University, Islamabad) <mussarat.jabeen@iiu.edu.pk>

Aasia Faiz (Govt Waqar-Un-Nisa College for women, Rawalpindi) aasiafaiz26@gmail.com

Dr. Ismail Loona, M.J Khan

Paper ID 338

Paper Title

Women Political Participation and Its Effects on Women Empowerment in Balochistan

Abstract

Women participation in politics is growing in present times. It refers to all those activities
(performed by women) associated with political participation for women empowerment. Women
cast vote, take part in protests, participating in campaigns, working as polling agent and contest
election as well. However, recent times show that the number of women in politics is very less as
compare to men. Although, Pakistani constitution and gender equality movement highlighted the
role of women in all political fields, but women still face numerous constraints to participate in
politics. Moreover, the struggles of women are still colourless in various political parties. The
purpose of this study was to examine political participation of women and its effects on women
empowerment in Balochistan. Using quantitative survey research approach involving 400
women political activists from eight different political parties. This study helps to understand
women empowerment through political participation in Balochistan. The results of the study
show that women were discouraged participating in politics that was not encouraging sign for
women empowerment. The findings of this study suggest that women should be brought equal to
men in politics and further provide equal proportions in political parties for women
empowerment.

Keywords: Political participation, political parties and women empowerment.

Author/s

Muhammad Kakar (Sociology, International Islamic University, Islamabad)

<makkikakar@gmail.com>

Paper ID 339

Paper Title

Impact of Types of Orthophthlic Unsaturated Polyester Matrix on Tensile Strength of E-Glass

Woven Roving Fiber

Abstract

This paper deals with the impact of different types of ortho phthalic unsaturated polyester matrix
on tensile strength of E-glass woven roving fiber. The objective of thesis was to determine the
tensile strength of E-glass woven roving fiber by use of different types of ortho phthalic
unsaturated polyester matrix and to investigate the tensile strength of E-glass woven roving
fibers by using hybridizing the types of ortho phthalic unsaturated polyester matrix. E-glass
woven roving Fiber was referred to a group of products made from individual glass fibers
combined into a variety of forms and act as reinforcing agent. E-glass woven roving fiber
reinforcement composite made by used hand lay-up technique, where different types of ortho
phthalic unsaturated polyester matrix were used such as; 555, LF1, 3133, GP5300. And hybrid
the matrix to each other, the ratio was 97% for single matrix and 48.5%, 48.5% of two hybrid
matrix and 24.25% of each matrix when hybrid four matrix to each other. Sample preparation
and testing was carried out according to ASTM standards. The test was carried out using tensile
test, on universal testing machine (UTM) which focus to investigate mechanical properties. The
result showed that the single 555 matrix had higher tensile strength as compared to 3133, LF1
and Gp5300 matrix due to each matrix has different viscosity and curing time, and the hybrid
matrix had higher tensile strength as compared to single matrix, due to the different matrix
crosslinking to each other it increases the tensile strength composite material.

Author/s

Ghulam Memon (Mehran UET, Jamshoro) <gh.mustafamemon@gmail.com>

Rafique Ahmed Jhatial (MUET) <rafique.jhatial@faculty.muet.edu.pk>

Iftikhar Ali Sahito (MUET) <iftikhar.sahito@faculty.muet.edu.pk>

Paper ID 344

Paper Title

Stress management with Diabetes

Abstract

Stress is known to have deep ties with many commonly known diseases. Diabetes is thought to
be on the top of such lists. Although there is no verifiable data available to date that can deduce
that diabetes is triggered by stress alone, however, there is enough dispersed data that indicates
the relationship of stress with both onset of diabetes and other complications that follow
afterwards. We conducted a questionnaire based survey among the citizens of Islamabad and
Rawalpindi who were patients of both type I and II diabetes and asked about how stressed they
were and how they tried to cope with their stress. Our findings indicate that more diabetics are
inclined towards stress and know little about its management since they are mostly unaware that
stress can stimulate more complications in their condition. Most of them don’t follow any
particular exercise routine or healthy life style. Diabetes may get worse in such a situation. There
are many stress coping mechanisms and depending on resources available, wide range of
strategies can be adapted with personal variations.

Author/s

Asmaa Malik (AIOU) <fmicrobe@gmail.com>

Sana Javaid (AIOU) <hsanajavaid@gmail.com>

Rakhshanda Aslam (AIOU) <baynzeerbhatto@gmail.com>

Paper ID 354

Paper Title

Dietary Intake of Aspergillus Toxins via Spices Commonly Uses in Pakistani Foods

Abstract

Cuisines prepared in the different regions in the world including Pakistan are furnished by
adding number of spices like chili, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, funnel seeds and
turmeric etc. Various fungal species produces secondary metabolites in various cereals and
spices etc. These secondary metabolites are known as ‘Mycotoxins’. The ubiquitously distributed
fungal genera are of Aspergillus spp. which produces major group of toxins such as ‘Aflatoxins’.
They hat exhibit toxic, mutagenic, teratogenic and carcinogenic effects in humans and animals.
In view of this background, present study was planned to assess the natural incidence of
Aspergillus mycotoxins. In this regard, total 128 samples basic curry spices (red chili=40,
coriander= 42 and turmeric= 46) were collected from domestic levels along with their
consumption data. Samples were put forth for the analysis of aflatoxin B1, B2, G1 and G2 by
chromatographic technique and levels were recorded. Our results showed that 97.50 % of red
chili samples were contaminated with aflatoxin with the mean total aflatoxin contamination of

mean aflatoxin cont

limit. Dietary exposure of aflatoxin B1 through red chilies was 0.776ng/Kg and 0.0851ng/Kg of
aflatoxin B2 contamination was observed. Dietary exposure of aflatoxin B1 through turmeric
was 0.1433ng/Kg and exposure of aflatoxin B2 through turmeric was found as 0.057ng/Kg.
Daily dietary intake of aflatoxin B1 through coriander was observed as 0.15215ng/Kg. No
sample of coriander was found positive with aflatoxin B2. All the spice samples were found
negative for aflatoxin G1 and aflatoxin G2. The dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 and B2 exceed
the limit i.e. 1ng/Kg as defined by JECFA.

Author/s

Nafeesa Hanif (AgriPak Labs, Pakistan) <nafeesahanif9@gmail.com>

Aniqa Arzoo (Institute of Natural and Management Sciences (INAM), Rawalpindi)

<welcome_aniqa@yahoo.com>

Iffat Tahira (AgriPak Labs, Pakistan) <agripaklab@gmail.com>

Nighat Sultana (AgriPak Labs, Pakistan) <agripaklabs@gmail.com

Paper ID 355

Paper Title

Antibiotic Resistance of Nosocomial Infectants Isolated from Medical Staff at Fauji Foundation
Hospital Rawalpindi

Abstract

Nosocomial infections are those infections that are not present in a patient at the time of hospital
admission but develop after 48 hours of hospitalization or after discharge. These infections are
caused by many different pathogens or microbes including different bacteria, different viruses,
fungi and parasites. Nosocomial infections are the major safety concern for both patients and the
hospital staff/ HCWs. The aim of the present study was to observe the prevalence and antibiotic
resistance of nosocomial infactants among hospital staff of Fauji foundation hospital Rawalpindi.
Present study was conducted at microbiology laboratory of Allama Iqbal Open University and
swabs sample of hands, nasal and forehead were collected from the hospital staff of Fauji
foundation hospital Rawalpindi. These samples were cultured on different media including
general purpose media, selective and differential media. Then gram staining and different
biochemical test such as mannitol fermentation, catalase test, coagulase test, indole test, MR-VP
test, citrate utilization test, urease test, TSI test, motility test and API 20E test were performed
for bacterial identification. Kirby Bauer disk diffusion test was used to check the antibiotic
resistance pattern of the bacteria. Out of 61 samples, 55.7% (34) were recognized as CoNS,
31.14% (19) were S. aureus, and 3.27% (2) were E. cloacae isolates. The Kirby Bauer disk
diffusion test reveals that S. aureus and CoNS isolates shows resistance against P, followed by E,
FD, CIP, OX, TE, CN and VA while E. cloacae exhibits the resistance against TE and OX. From
the current study it was concluded that antibiotic resistant bacteria among HCWs is not a
potential risk for their selves only but also causes nosocomial infections transmission among
hospital patients. So, there is a need to adopt the standard infection control practices to control
the infections and the spread of their transmission.

Author/s

Dur e Shehwar (Dept of Biology, AIOU) <shehwar.baloch@gmail.com>

Zahid ullah (Dept of Biology, AIOU) <zahid_apura@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 357

Paper Title

Relationship between Somatic Symptoms and Marital Satisfaction among Type 2 Diabetic
Patients

Abstract

The diseases affect the social life of the patients and married life is among one of them. The
present study was conducted to explore the relationship between somatic symptoms, and marital
satisfaction among type II diabetes patients. Sample comprised of 128 type II diabetic patients.
Patient health questionnaire-15(Spitzer,2002) was used to assess the somatic symptoms and
Couple Satisfaction Index-16 (Funk & Rogge,2007) for assessment of marital satisfaction. It was
hypothesized that somatic symptoms are significantly negatively correlated with the marital
satisfaction. The results showed that somatic symptoms are significantly negatively correlated
with the marital satisfaction. It was also found that females have high level of somatic symptoms
as compared to the males and showed low level of marital satisfaction as compared to the men.
The study can be of greater help to the professionals to have better understanding to their
patient’s conditions. This can also help the future researchers to better understand the importance
of highlighting these issues which are not taken as a serious problem that needs clinical attention.
Keywords: Type II Diabetes, Somatic Symptoms, Marital Satisfaction.

Author/s
Amna Nadeem (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)
<amna.ndm1993@gmail.com>
Shazia Yusuf (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)
<shazia_yusuf@yahoo.com>
Uzma Masroor (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)
<hod_pp@bahria.edu.pk>

Paper ID 359

Paper Title

Depression, Anxiety and Depression among Working Couples

Abstract

Marriage plays a very important role in the life of any individual. It is coming with lots of
responsibilities and stressors. In current study the depression, anxiety and stress were assessed
with the help of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS). The sample comprised of 115 couples
currently employed with minimum education of 14 years. It is hypothesized that there is a
positive relationship between depression, anxiety and stress among married couples. There are
significant differences on anxiety and stress level among married couples belonging to different
professionals. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant positive relationship
between the stress, anxiety and depression among married couples. ANOVA analysis indicated
that the bankers are having more stress as compared to different other professionals whereas
anxiety is more in government employees as compared to different other professionals.
Independent sample t-test analysis indicated that no gender differences were found level of
anxiety, depression and stress among husbands and wives. The findings of the present study
indicate that there is a need to assess the working couples and provide them professional
psychological guidance accordingly for their smooth performance (both personal and
professional).

Keywords: anxiety, depression, stress, working couples.

Author/s

Andleeb Afzal (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)

<andleebafzal4@gmail.com>

Shazia Yusuf (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad. )

<shazia_yusuf@yahoo.com>
Uzma Masroor (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)
<hod_pp@bahria.edu.pk>
Paper ID 362

Paper Title

Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in Reducing Depressive Symptoms Among

Asthma Patients

Abstract

The present study was conducted to measure the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy
(CBT) in reducing the depressive symptoms among asthma patients. The main objective of the
study was to identify the prevalence of depressive symptoms and then addressing those
symptoms by providing intervention to asthma patients. 15 asthma patients were taken from
NESCOM hospital, Islamabad for the assessment of psychological symptom. Urdu version of
Depression, Anxiety and Stress scale (DASS-21) (Aslam, 2007) was used for screening of
depressive symptoms. The study was conducted in three phases i.e. pre-assessment phase,
intervention phase and post assessment phase. Pre-assessment was done with the help of DASS-
21 and then CBT interventions were used. After 8 sessions post assessment was done. Results of
paired sample t-test revealed that there is statistically significant difference in levels of
Depression in post assessment phase of asthma patients (as there is a marked decrease in the
symptoms after CBT). The qualitative analysis was done by using IPA and the results revealed
symptoms of irritability, nervousness, sleeplessness, appetite issues, sadness, lack of energy and
there is marked reduction in these symptoms after receiving CBT. The study has profound
implications in clinical setting that there is a need of psychological assessment, diagnosis and
treatment for physiological illnesses.

Keywords: CBT, Asthma, Depressive symptoms, IPA.

Author/s

Ayesha Munir (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)

<aishamunir@hotmail.com>

Shazia Yusuf (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad. )

<shazia_yusuf@yahoo.com>

Uzma Masroor (Professional Psychology Department, Bahria University Islamabad.)

<hod_pp@bahria.edu.pk>
Paper ID 373
Paper Title
The Impact of texting (SMS) on Students Academic Writing
Abstract
The current study is intended to discover the Impact of Texting (SMS) on students English
academic Performance. So the research is necessitated by the fact that most students recent times
have resorted to the use of text messaging in their classroom as well as in their study time. When
sending text messages on their mobile phone to friends, family, students often use a special type
of register which is called ‘Textese’. Short message service is a text messaging service
component of most telephone, mobile phones, world Wide Web and telephony systems. It uses
standardized communication protocols to enable mobile phones to exchange short text messages.
With the help of text message, even though students are able to communicate with each other,
still they are lacking in proper sentence construction. There have been suggestions from both
media sources and educators that texting may have a negative effect on the literacy skills of the
students. Students do not revise what they wrote and do not try to correct their spelling mistakes
generate a big habit of not revising their written stuff during papers, assignments and formal
work. Researcher tries to clarify the miss use of texting through this paper. Survey research
method is used to conduct this study. In this paper we using the qualitative research and written
documents used for collecting data. Data were collected through baseline questionnaires, teacher
interviews, Students interviews. After the results we give the possible solution and
recommendations. Our research may have positive significant for future. If we add this research
in the educational policies then we will stop students to use of SMS language in their formal
work.
Keywords: increase use of text messaging, improper use of grammar and spelling, advancement
of technology
Chief Author: Faiza Ashraf (Sociology, GC Women University, Sialkot)
<hamzakahloon50@gmail.com>
Co- Authors: Komal saeed, Khadija Afzaal, Saher Bibi, Iqra Irfan, Noshaba Malik, Kaynat
Shehzadi

Paper ID 377
Paper Title
Problems of Education in Pakistan: Quest for a Rational Policy and Process
Abstract
Since inception of Pakistan, education policy has been one among the top priorities for
successive governments and policy makers. From time to time, various national policies and
other instruments (Five-Year Plans) have been advised, National Education Policy 2017-2025
being the latest, but still Pakistan is unable to achieve its educational targets carved out seventy
years ago in the First National Education Conference held in Karachi in 1947. This paper deals
with the causes of this target-outcome gap. The paper also suggests recommendations for
minimizing this target-outcome gap to achieve the policy goals set out through different policy
instruments so far. This qualitative study attempts to decipher the above puzzle through an
iterative analysis of the semi-structured interviews of a purposive sampling of top-notch
Pakistani policy makers and politicians. The results reflect opinions of the respondents
embedded into contextually constructed realities about education policy to propose measures for
a more rational policy and process of education in Pakistan.
Author/s
Hanif Sajid (GC University Lahore) <hanifwrites@gmail.com>
Mahrukh Maqsood (GC University Lahore) <mahrukhchaudharygcu@gmail.com>

Paper ID 379
Paper Title
Teachers’ beliefs and perceptions regarding putting into practice of new elementary mathematics
curriculum
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate elementary school and mathematics teachers’
efficacy beliefs and perceptions in the context of the new primary mathematics curriculum in
Pakistan and identify differences, if any, in teachers’ efficacy beliefs and perceptions based on
their area of certification, gender, and experience. The sample consisted of 805 teachers, 696 of
whom were elementary and 105 of whom were mathematics teachers working in elementary
schools located in 5 cities of Pakistan. The questionnaire administered to participants was
adapted by the researchers throughout the study. The results of the MANOVA analysis indicated
that teachers’ area of certification and experience had a significant role on the collective
dependent variables, gender did not.
Keywords: Teacher Efficacy Beliefs, Teachers’ Perceptions, Curriculum, Mathematics
Curriculum, Implementation.
Author/s
Muhammad Saleem (Education, www.umt.edu.pk) <msaleemscholar@gmail.com>
Maryam Zahra (Education, www.umt.edu.pk) <maryamzara6@gmail.com>

Paper ID 380
Paper Title
Post-editing and Revision practices at Institutional centers of Translation
Abstract
The institutional centers of translation work on a systematic process of translation, self revision,
post-editing and blind revision. These processes are carried out with the help of certain computer
tools or machine aid. One of the processes for self revision may be made while translating a
document in OmegaT or SDLTrados, translated or untranslated word count, sentence or segment
count even the punctuation count is one of the ways of doing a self revision. Besides cognitive
efforts these measures may also be helpful in doing self revision. Post-editing is also helpful in
making machine translation an acceptable product, one of the post-editing procedures is to make
a parallel of ST and TT in any spread sheet or excel. ST is broken into segments and these
segments are paralleled against their target and this procedure helps in speedily going through
the texts and revising them. A few revision committees and review benches are established to
give a blind revision to the product by the translator. These benches and committees need to
develop a consensus upon a particular document after giving it a group revision. Reading TT as
an independent text is also part of revision where a person with the linguistic competence in TL
gives it an independent revision. This paper will bring forth the systematic procedures and a few
tools which are helpful in revising and post-editing the translated texts. As academia can better
understand the systematic and scholastic translation, therefore this paper also focuses on the
institutional centers of translation and their driving mechanism.
Author/s
Amna Anwar (English Language and Applied Linguistics, Govt. Post Graduate College for
women Satellite Town Rawalpindi) <amna.anwar344@gmail.com>
Aalia Sohail (Rawalpindi Campus, University of Gujrat) <aaliasohail@gmail.com>

Paper ID 390
Paper Title
Basic Science Process Skills for Learning Science among Science Students: A Cross Sectional
Survey
Abstract
The scientific knowledge is grounded on processing skills like observing, inquiring,
investigating, and interpreting the nature around. This short quantitative survey research
involved (n=80) general science students of elementary and secondary level from a governmental
school, to explore whether the basic science process skills were imparted by the teachers as
stated in the National Curriculum for General Science. The Science Process Skills Inventory
(SPSI) was adopted consisting of eleven items. The results proved that the science process skills
were found very low at 4th-5th grades. Whereas, at higher grades i.e from 6th – 9th grades,
science students possess moderate science process skills. On the whole, girls were possessing
moderate science process skills as compared to boys. Boys were found to have low science
process skills as compared to girls. It is recommended to inculcate more science process skills
among science students from early grades by engaging in basic science process skills through
self-learning so that they may become more skillful learners. The aims of National Curriculum
for General Science may be achieved if such scientific skills will be made an integral part of the
interactive teaching and learning process.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU), farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Maryum Akhtar (AIOU) <mninaakhtar@gmail.com>

Paper ID 402
Paper Title
A Study of Science Students’ Interest towards Academics: Post APS Attack Scenario in
Secondary Schools and Colleges of Peshawar Cant
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to make a comparison of the academics and psychological impact
of that attack on young minds of the students of secondary school science students before and
after APS incident. This study evaluated and compared the present academic grades and psyche
of secondary level students in government and private secondary schools of district Peshawar.
Four government and four private schools (a total of eight schools) were chosen for research by
simple random sampling. A sample of 30 science teachers and 70 science students was randomly
selected. The nature of this study was descriptive. The data was collected by two questionnaires.
One questionnaire was administered for the students and the other for teachers teaching at
secondary grades in government and private secondary schools of Peshawar Cantt. Each
questionnaire consisted of 14 statements for teachers and students respectively. Various items
were used in the questionnaires. The reliability of student’s questionnaire was found 0.91
whereas the reliability of teacher’s questionnaire was found 0.89. Data analysis showed the
students’ academics and mental health both were affected after the APS incident. The academic
grades of most of the science students increased. Few of the science students were seriously
affected both academically and psychologically and constant counseling sessions are needed for
them. For this purpose there is need for the improvement of counseling facilities in the schools.
Security measures taken were found to be insufficient and needs improvement. It is
recommended that as parents are very much concerned about their children’s academics after the
incident therefore, they should be taken into confidence in order to deal with this trauma in an
effective manner.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU), farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Haleema Bibi (AIOU)

Paper ID 403
Paper Title
Political Satire in Pakistan: An Evolution and Change
Abstract
Political Satire whether in print media or television has been an important tool of political
socialization and muddling or molding the public opinion since the inception of Pakistan.
Whether it has been civilian rule or dictatorship in the country, the political satire has conveyed
its message well to the masses. Though, in the recent times with the freedom of media, political

than a tool of political awareness. Moreover, in television, political satire seems to have been
crossing the fine line between humor and journalism. In contrast, the political satire in print
media has still not crossed this fine line between humor and journalism. This research intends to
find out the differences of political satire existing between print media and television in Pakistan
in the contemporary times. The paper also intends to find out the evolution of political satire of
both television and print media through alternative civilian rule and dictatorship since 1947. This
qualitative study analyzes semi-structured interviews of the well-known journalists,
academicians and media persons in Pakistan for alternative themes and sub-themes. The study
suggests that political satire of television has been more of commercial than that of print media,
but it still has the ability to convey the underlying message and awareness.
Author/s
Mahrukh Maqsood (Mass Communication, GC University Lahore)
<mahrukhchaudharygcu@gmail.com>
Madiha Maqsood (University of the Punjab) <Madicheema@hotmail.com>
Hanif Sajid (GC University Lahore) <hanifwrites@gmail.com

Paper ID 404
Paper Title
Exploring Relationship between Science Students Epistemological Beliefs about Science and
Learning Approaches at Secondary Level in Pakistan
Abstract
New paradigm in curriculum development, teaching, learning, and assessment all have put their
efforts on the child centered pedagogy. Researchers take interest in epistemological beliefs and
learning approaches based on empirical research of researcher, academicians and teacher and
teacher educators. This study aimed to explore relationship between science students
epistemological beliefs about science and learning approaches at secondary level in Pakistan.
This study is a descriptive survey. The population of this study consists of all male and female
students studying in public sector school in Chitral district (Government of Khyber
Pakhtunkhwa, 2016). The sample size for the study would be 382 science students of both the
gender studying in different public sector schools in Chitral district through stratified random
sampling. For the proposed study, Approaches to Learning (ALQ) Questionnaire and the
Students Epistemic Belief (SEB) Tsai and Liu (2005) questionnaire will be adapted for the data
collection. It was found that science students have low epistemological beliefs. Moreover student
have surface learning approaches. It is recommended that more emphasis must be given to deep
learning approaches after emphasizing science teacher’s epistemological beliefs.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU), farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Zulifqar Ali Shah (AIOU)

Paper ID 405
Paper Title
Readiness of Primary School Teachers for Peace Education
Abstract
Educating for peace is essential for students and teachers not only to understand the basis of
aggression and conflict but also to independently resolve such situations in non-violent ways and
hence, influence the behaviours anticipated for a peaceful society. The article 4 of the UN
Resolution 53/423 also proclaimed the need to promote peace education at each level.
Nevertheless, if the teachers are not trained in this regard, they are not likely to achieve the
objectives so desired. This paper examines the training needs of primary school teachers of
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan to teach peace. By drawing on questionnaire,
informal and unstructured interviews and focus group discussions, the article reflects on
consistent training of teachers about peace education concept and methodology to support them
achieve the desired objectives. The article identifies revision of teacher training programmes and
availability of peace education module on the provincial education website beneficial for this
purpose.
Keywords: Primary teachers, training needs, peace education curriculum, implementation.
Author/s
Mehreen Ashraf (EPPSL, Allama Iqbal Open University) <mehreenashraf71@gmail.com>
Dr. Afshan Huma (EPPSL, AIOU) <afshan.huma@aiou.edu.pk>
Paper ID 412
Paper Title
Their Lost Identity: A Critical Discourse Analysis of the Indolent Boys by Scott Momaday
Abstract
This study investigates “The Indolent Boys “written by N.Scott Momaday from the perspective
of Critical Discourse Analysis. This paper mainly highlights the group identity embedded in the
text where the indigenous Native Americans’ self-representation is two poles apart from their
masters. This incompatibility and conflicting projection of each group create identity crises for
Native Americans. The Critical Discourse analysis provides the theoretical orientation for the
analysis of this play. The main objective of this study is to examine the language used by both
the groups for each other to describe the we and the other phenomenon as presented by Van Dijk.
A qualitative research is conducted where the dialogues are presented at textual level. The results
and findings indicate that being American; each group considers themselves different and better
from the other. White American as being in power considers the Native Americans as inferior
intellectually, morally and culturally. The Native American suffers from identity crisis due to
their vulnerability and weak position. Thus through the use of language two different identities
of the same group is explored from the view point of two different groups, which is incompatible
to each other.

Author/s

Shumaila Ashee (Applied Linguistics, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University)

<Shumailaashee@gmail.com>

Paper ID 419
Paper Title
Employees of Fun: Testing Multiplayer Gaming Effects on Transformational Leadership, Job
Performance and Active Learning
Abstract
This study examines how massive multiplayer online role playing games (MMORPGs) affect the
employees’ work life performances. Gathering data from 195 employees of different occupations
we tested the effects from gaming to work domain with context of transformational leadership,
performance and active learning. In addition, the study also aimed at investigating the
moderating role of game motivation in the relationship of game leadership, game performance,
and game learning with worksite leadership, worksite performance and worksite learning.
Regression results show that active learning in game affects the active learning of employee on
the job site. Furthermore, results show that gaming transformational leadership and gaming
performance also positively affect the work transformational leadership and work performance
of the employees. Finally, results of moderating role of game motivation however showed that if
game motivation is too much high, the whole spillover (transfer of behaviors from one domain to
another domain of life) on worksite performances is negatively affected. The more the addiction
for games is, the lesser is the spillover, given that the game players will only adopt gaming
behaviors in their real lives if their in-game behaviors are positive. Negative game behaviors will
not be adopted by gamers in their in life roles. All these results suggest that the virtual
environments of gaming might provide some new guidelines for the 21st century’s
organizations’ trainings. The research also provides practical insights in the field of human
resources management and organizational behavior.
Author/s
Saif Qureshi (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan) <saifullahq@bzu.edu.pk>
Muhammad Masood (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan) <masoodmln@gmail.com>
Muhammad Amir (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan) <maamirbzu@yahoo.com>
Sidra Sharif (Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan) <sidrach_sharif@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 21

Paper Title

Language Learning at the Early Childhood Level in Perspective Of Vygotsky’s Social

Interactionist Theory

Abstract

Language learning is an important aspect of early childhood education. Many theorists like
Noam Chomsky, B. F. Skinner, Jean Piaget, Lev Vygotsky, Jerome Bruner, and others have
presented theories of language learning. Lev Vygotsy, a psychologist and a founder of socio-
cultural theory, has presented his theory of social interaction. His theory provides a strong basis
for the recent trends in applied linguistics. This paper is aimed at studying language learning
process in the light of Vygotsky’s social interactionist theory. Qualitative research mode is used
here to study Vygotsky’s theory. Using the interpretivist paradigm, the aspects of language
learning at the early childhood level are explored. This study is helpful for parents, teachers and
educationists to help children in their process of language learning.

Author/s

Shamaila Haleem (English Linguistics, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad)

<shmlhaleem@yahoo.com>
Paper ID 22

Paper Title

Eco feminist Perspective of The Native American People: A Study of Black Elk Speaks and Mad
Bear

Abstract

Eco feminism, also called ecological feminism, seeks a connection between ecology and
feminism. It is a branch of feminism that finds a relationship between women and environment.
It lays stress on the ways how both nature and women are treated by the patriarchal society.
Indigenous cultures treat nature and women in their own specific ways. This paper is aimed at
studying Native American perspective of eco feminism. John G. Neihardt’s work Black Elk
Speaks and Doug Boyd’s work Mad Bear: Spirit, Healing, and the Sacred in the Life of a Native
American Medicine Man are analyzed here from the eco feminist point of view. Qualitative
approach is adopted here to analyze the selected texts in the light of theories presented by the eco
feminists. Black Elk belonged to the Oglala tribe while Mad Bear belonged to the Tuscarora
tribe. There is a balanced approach between the human beings and other living things in the
Native American tribes. Earth is considered as the Goddess in these indigenous cultures.
Treatment of women and nature makes a difference. Native American people treat women and
nature in a sacred way giving the earth the status of their mother. Both women and nature can be
saved and protected through care, empathy and healing ways of the Native American people.
This work is a notable contribution towards eco feminism and English literary studies providing
new insights into the Native American indigenous cultures. It is also helpful in solving the
present day environmental degradation problem.

Author/s

Shamaila Haleem (English Linguistics, National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad)

<shmlhaleem@yahoo.com>

Paper ID E91

Paper Title
An Analysis of Word Formation Processes on Twitter
Abstract
Language is the communication tool for human beings, who are the consumers of language.
Human beings utilize millions of words in order to interact with others in their daily life
communication. They are unaware of how these words are constructed. New words are
constantly adding in English language but people are ignorant about the innovation and
formation of these words. This research study attempts to find out the mechanisms or processes
of word formation that can be used in daily life. It aims at investigating the employment of word
formation processes by one of the female Politicians of Pakistan on online social network
‘Twitter’. The study has followed quantitative as well as qualitative method. It is descriptive in
nature and the data is measured in terms of frequency occurrence (numbers). The study has
utilized the word formation processes such as compounding, blending, coinage, clipping, back
formation, borrowing, acronyms, affixation and conversion for analysis. A corpus of fourty
words was randomly selected from the tweets (Written Message) of the female politician for
analysis. The selected lexical items from these tweets are employed in order to locate the
different word formation processes. The study involves the word analysis of tweets during the
time span of 3 months. The findings of the study suggested that the processes of coinage,
compounding, borrowing, acronyms and affixation occurred with almost same frequency in the
tweets. These were the common word formation processes with the highest frequency occurrence
in the tweets. Moreover, the frequency of other processes like blending, conversion, back
formation and clipping was lower in the tweets. This study highlights the common word
formation processes and it scrutinizes the linguistic choices made by the female politician on
twitter.

Keywords: Language, Twitter, Social Network, Word formation processes, Politician

Author/s

Kanwal Fatima (Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi),

<kanwal.mystic@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 63

Paper Title

Unburdening the pedagogy of the oppressed: A case study of Higher Education in Pakistan

Abstract

The present study is aimed to trace out the challenges faced by the students and teachers in
classroom’s context in response to critical pedagogy. The major theoretical insights has been
taken from Paulo Freire 's concept of pedagogy of the oppressed (2000). The questionnaire was
distributed among the students and teachers of universities. It has been founded that ideological,
institutional, syllabi, personality of the teachers, educational background of the teacher and socio
economic factors of the students, are the major reasons which are threatening the critical
pedagogy. It has been observed that the teachers who have got qualification form the big cities of
Pakistan relatively prefer critical pedagogy in their classrooms rather than those who have got
their qualification from less developed areas. Similarly the teachers who got their qualification
from foreign countries are more interested in critical pedagogy than those who have acquired
their qualification from Pakistan. It has been found that institutional policies, Political and
religious associations of administrative heads of the educational institutions are also the major
reasons which determine the extent of critical pedagogy in classes. The students also reported
that administrative heads virtually affects the classroom situations. The findings of the study
came to the conclusion that students consider that their education is missing that dialogical and
critical consciousness which Friere has suggested for the real socio moral development of
individuals in the society. It has been observed that universities are also missing the feedback
mechanism of teachers. Still teachers are considered a supreme authority i.e. unavoidable choice.

Keywords: Pedagogy of the Oppressed, Critical Consciousness, Educational institutions and

Socio- Economic Factors.

Author/s

Abdul Rashid (Bzu, multan) <abdulrashidkhan86@hotmail.com>

Zahoor Hussain (Bzu, multan) <zahoor_linguist@bzu.edu.com>

Paper ID 221

Paper Title

Textbooks as Arena of Cultural Invasion in Pakistan: A Content Evaluation of English at

Intermediate Level

Abstract

Textbooks and other materials used in language learning generally present a certain way of
looking at the world, ostensibly, through the cultural lens of the author. To meet the different
challenges related to cultural invasion posited by the English writers and poets there is a strong
need to check these textbooks against the cultural and pedagogical needs of the Pakistani
learners. Therefore, the present study aims at evaluating the reading content of English textbooks
used at Intermediate level to identify what range of cultural references is represented in these
textbooks and also particularly, whose cultures are represented in the content of Pakistani
English textbooks through which the researcher tries to argue that western in general and
American cultural invasion in particular is in practice presently. This paper used primarily
qualitative research approach in which the content analysis of English textbooks currently taught
at intermediate level was carried out to find out the cultural representation and their relevance to
the learners’ needs. Results show that the representation of the target culture and the
international target culture is far greater in the textbooks as compared to that of the learner
culture, which seems to be a silent promotion of western values and social set up. The paper
finally suggests regarding improvement in the English language textbooks in Pakistan that the
textbooks should be the reflection of cultural, religious, social and geographical background of
the learners to attain maximum educational goals.
Keywords: Culture, Content Analysis, Textbooks, Sociological sense, culture.

Author/s

Tanveer Baig (BZU, Multan) <tanveerbaig@hotmail.com>

Paper ID E73

Paper Title
An Analysis of Distinctive Features of English Pronunciation of Pothohari Speakers
Abstract
The present study attempts to explore the distinctive features of Pakistani English spoken by
Pothohari speakers by focusing on the selected vowels, diphthongs and r sound. It aims at
investigating the difference between distinctive features of selected Pakistani English vowels,
diphthongs, r phoneme and RP. The current study focuses on 8 vowels and diphthongs i.e.
ɪə,ɑɪ,eɪ, əʊ and ɔɪ diphthongs and ɒ, ɜː, ae vowel sounds along with r phoneme. The study relies
upon the distinctive feature theory by Jakobson (1971) for theoretical underpinning. The
population and sample for the study comprises of twenty randomly selected female students of
Govt. degree college women kallar saydaan whose mother tongue is Pothohari, while Urdu and
English are spoken and taught at their study place. A list of eighteen sentences with the target
sounds was used for data collection purpose. The utterances of the participants were recorded
electronically (via mobile) for the analysis. The recorded data was analyzed both qualitatively
and quantitatively. Received Pronunciation was used as a reference model to look for the
differences. The findings of the study suggested that a huge majority of the participants
pronounced the sample sounds with quiet distinct features that are not allowed by RP standard.
These features indicate that the influence of local languages on standard pronunciation of
English is dominant. The influence of local languages also gives realization that once articulatory
apparatus is settled according to native language, it always influences the phonic learning of
foreign languages and ultimately this influence introduces local varieties of foreign languages.
Thus, it is recommended that equal weightage needs to be given to the pronunciation like other
language skills.
Keywords: Pakistani English, Distinctive Features, Vowels, Diphthongs, Pothohari
Author/s
Kanwal Fatima (Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi)
<kanwal.mystic@yahoo.com>
Samina Tabassum (Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi)
Aamna Anwar (Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi)
Paper ID E49
Paper Title
Growth responses of Pisum Sativum (sweet pea) to leaf litter allelopathy of exotic Eucalyptus
camaldulensis, Lantana Camara and Cono Carpus
Abstract
This study shows allelopathic effect of three exotic and invasive species i.e., Eucalyptus
camaldulensis, Cono carpus and Lantana camara on growth and germination of Pisum Sativum
(common sweet pea). The two factor factorial growth and germination experiments, arranged in
complete randomized design with three replications, were set in net house and laboratory
conditions in the Institute of Plant Sciences. In net house pot experiment dry powdered leaf litter
of respective species was mixed with soil at the rate of 5, 7.5 and 10 g along with control (no leaf
litter) and10 seeds of Pisum Sativum were sown in each pot. Periodical growth was noted after
each 15 days for 60 days. Similarly, germination experiment was conducted in lab using 5, 7.5
and 10% leaf litter solution diluted from 1:20 stock solution. The 10 surface sterilized seeds were
germinated on sterile glass petri dishes lined with two layers of filter paper. The germination data
was recorded after every 24 hours for one week. Results suggest that leaf litter as well as
aqueous extract have adverse effects on germination, growth and growth rate. The cono corpus
and Lantana camera were found with higher allelopathic effects as compared to Eucalyptus
camaldulensis.
Keywords: allelopathic, Cono carpus, Lantana camara, camaldulensis. Pisum sativum
Author/s
Aisha Dildar Ahmed <aisha_dildar@hotmail.com>

Paper ID E48
Paper Title
IS GOOD GOVERNANCE POSSIBLE THROUGH TACTICS?
Abstract
Word “bad governance” has been commonly used in Pakistan since inception. Low level of
accountability, transparency, rule of law and corruption which is out of the mark is mainly the
reason behind this word. Since last decade, social scientists have focused to measure the quality
of governance and factors of bad governance in Pakistan. Therefore, current study aims to
analyze the effects of accountability, transparency and rule of law on governance. In this regard,
an adopted survey questionnaire was distributed across the country. Out of 5000 distributed
questionnaires, 3600 were received back for analysis. Data was analyzed through SPSS version
24.0. Finding of the study shows that there is significant and positive relationship of dependent
variables such as; accountability, transparency and rule of law with the dependent variable good
governance. Additionally, these factors not only affects governance but a strong correlation have
been observed between dependent factors of the study and public confidence and trust. Study
finds that good governance is possible through comprehensive policies and their proper
implementation. Tactics are merely temporary dozes. Results of the study may be helpful for
seeking good governance in Pakistan. Besides, it may help future researchers and policy makers.
Keywords: Accountability, Transparency, Rule of law, Good governance, Pakistan
Author/s
Corresponding Author: Shah Nawaz Mangi (Far East and South East Asia, Area study centre,
University of Sindh-Jamshoro) shahnawaz.mangi@scholars.usindh.edu.pk
Dr. Naimatullah Shah (Institute of Public Administration, University of Sindh- Jamshoro)

Paper ID E71

Paper Title

Literacy Practices of Female Sweepers and their Social Identities

Abstract
The present study attempts to investigate the literacy practices used by female sweepers to
construct their identities and social relations at their workplace. It also investigates the female
sweepers’ understanding about health and safety information at workplace. It explores the use of
literacies for the tasks that female sweepers are likely to carry out every day in their jobs. The
study is qualitative in nature and the descriptive content analysis paradigm is used as an optimal
method to analyze the data qualitatively. The inductive approach is chosen as an ideal way to
analyze the data due to the explorative and comprehensible nature of this topic. The population
of the study was female sweepers working at Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi.
Purposive sampling was used to explore the literacy practices of female sweepers at their
workplace. 10 Female Sweepers were randomly selected from the university. Young and middle
aged female sweepers were part of the study. Semi-structured interviews were utilized for the
study. A flexible conversation guideline was followed containing a wide range of themes and
topics related to the literacy practices of female sweepers. The conversation was recorded
electronically (via mobile phone), transcribed verbatim, and subsequently translated into English.
In cases where further clarification and probing was required, follow up visits were made to
capture the missing information. The data analysis was done in three steps; Life roles (Language
literacy, Workplace literacy, Numeracy literacy), Situated learning environment (Home,
Workplace) and Health and safety Information (Use of cleaning equipments, Preventing and
reporting accidents, Skill vocabulary, labels, symbols, signs and colors, Chemical hazards and
risk and appropriate protective measures). The findings of the study suggested that the literacy
practices of female sweepers are connected with identity construction and maintaining social
relationships as most of the participants of the study were in favor of Punjabi language for
communication and building social relationship. All the respondents in the study who identified
themselves with the Punjabi/Urdu ethnicity, they were more inclined towards speaking
Punjabi/Urdu language at home and workplace. Thus, the respondents have constructed their
identities by categorizing their surroundings with the help of their preferred language. The
findings of this study also reveal that occupational safety and health hazards were not a major
concern among the female sweepers. They had only the apparent knowledge of health and safety
measures but they were not really concerned about its practical application at their work place.
However, the understanding of literacy practices regarding health and safety information by
female sweepers was satisfactory in order to avoid any harmful consequences. It is essential to
focus on the literacy practices of sweepers in order to maximize the benefits of a safer working
environment by arranging an occupational health and safety training program for sweepers of the
university.
Keywords: Literacy, Female sweepers, Identity, Numeracy, Health & safety information.
Author/s
Kanwal Fatima (Department of English, Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi)
<kanwal.mystic@yahoo.com>

Paper ID E14
Paper Title
Awareness of Malnutrition and Its Impact on Pregnancy among Literate and Illiterate Women in
Sialkot: A Qualitative Study
Abstract
Background:
Malnutrition is the deficiencies of important nutrients in our body. Malnutrition has bad effects
on pregnancy. It have adverse effects on mother and as well as on infant's health. Due to it a
female feels down and her body functions also not work properly.
Aim:
The main purpose of this research is to check the awareness of malnutrition effects in pregnant
females.
Methodology:
Data was collected from 282 females. Results were obtained by open analysis.
Results:
Results showed a clear discrepancy between lack of awareness and malnutrition effects on
pregnancy. Educated have more awareness about malnutrition and its effects on their health as
compared to uneducated females. Educated females are more conscious about their own health
and they take good care of them during pregnancy as compared to uneducated females.
Keywords: Malnutrition, mother, pregnancy, food, deficiencies, literacy and illiteracy.
Author/s
Salbia Abbass, Lubna Arshad, Iqra Sabir, Sehar Raza (Department of Psychology,
GCWU Sialkot)

Paper ID E19
Paper Title
Comparison of Job Satisfaction and Motivation of Public Sector and Private Sector Teachers
Abstract
The main purpose of this study was to compare the job satisfaction and motivation of Public
sector and private sector teachers. Objective of this study were a) To compare the job satisfaction
of public and private sector teachers. b) To compare the motivation of public and private sector
teachers. All the teachers of public sector and private sector colleges were the population of this
study. Sample was selected by using simple random sampling. Standardized research instrument
i.e. job satisfaction and motivation scale developed by Spector (1994) was used to collect the
data. Standard deviation, mean and t-test were used for analysis and interpretation of data. Major
findings of this study indicated that teachers working in private sector colleges were better in
Achievement and Development. There were no significant difference in Recognition,
Responsibility and Growth of private sector and public sector teachers. Overall, the private
sector teachers were found better in job satisfaction than public sector teachers. Motivation level
of private sector teachers was better than public sector teachers.

Keywords: Job Satisfaction, Motivation, Achievement, Recognition, Responsibility, Growth,

Development
Author/s
Hamid Ali Nadeem (Lecturer, AIOU, Islamabad)
Irfan Haider (Subject Specialist, Punjab School Education Department)
Urooj Fatima (Student, AIOU, Islamabad)
Saliha Sana (Student, AIOU, Islamabad

Paper ID E12
Paper Title
Comparison of Co-Curricular Activities between Government and Private Schools at Secondary
Level in District Jhelum
Abstract
This research study was conducted to explore co-curricular activities of government and private
schools at secondary level in district Jhelum. Objective of this study was to compare the co-
curricular activities between government and private schools. All the government school teachers
and private school teachers of district Jhelum were the population of this study. Sample was
selected by using simple random sampling. Researcher made self-rating questionnaires was
developed on 5 point Likert scale. Questionnaire was validated by expert opinion and pilot
testing to making the questionnaire reliable. Standard deviation, mean and t-test were used for
analysis and interpretation of data. Major findings of this study indicated that private schools
were better in physical activities. There was no significant difference in literary activities,
scientific activities and cultural activities of private and government schools. Overall, the private
schools were found better in conducting co-curricular activities than government schools.

Keywords: Co-curricular Activities, Literacy activities, Physical activities, Scientific activities,

Cultural activities
Author/s
Dr. Ehsan Mahmood (Principal, IMCB I-10/1, Islamabad)
Irfan Haider (Subject Specialist, Punjab School Education Department)
Hamid Ali Nadeem (Lecturer, AIOU, Islamabad)
Syed Masroor Ali Kazmi (Science Teacher, Army Public School Sarai Alamgir)

Paper ID E18
Paper Title
Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Adolescents
Abstract
The current study examines to identify the adolescent’s behavioral and emotional problem and
help to identify their problems. This study makes use of a cross sectional survey design and
stratified random sampling method. For this purpose, 399 participants were selected in which
include 200 boys and 199 girls of 9th and 10th class. In this main study, Demographic Performa
and School Children's Problems Scale (SCPS) (Saleem & Mahmood, 2011) was used with the
adolescents to assess their emotional and behavioral problems. Results revealed that adolescents
having emotional and behavioral problems. It was found that girls perceive more emotional
behavioral problems than boys because boys learn to follow up on their emotions as opposed to
discuss them. It shows that there is no significant difference was found among the Nuclear and
Joint Family Systems.
Author/s
Jabeen Iqbal (Department of Psychology, University of Management and Technology)
Salbia Abbas (Department of Psychology, Govt. College Women University Sialkot)
Paper ID E20
Paper Title
Synthesis and characterization of Ce0.75Gd 0.25-xNdxO2- for fuel cell Application
Abstract
In the present report, compositions Ce0.75Gd 0.25-xNdxO2- (x=0.0, 0.085, 0.17, 0.25)are under
consideration for synthesis by the chemical mediated hydrothermal method(CMHM). Different
characterization techniques are applied on the samples to have the information of their structure,
andelectrical properties .Micro structural and physical properties of samples are investigated with
X-ray diffraction (XRD).For conduction mechanisms, ac conductivities are measured as a
function of temperature and frequency. In this work, dielectric constant ,dielectric loss tangent,
ac conductivity, impedance real(Z’) and imaginary(Z”) of the samples are determined as function
of frequency (20Hz-3MHz) at different temperatures. The range of temperature is 25°C to
500°C. The enhanced ionic conductivity showed that these materials are the potential candidates
for solid electrolytes and can be used in fuel cell applications.
Keywords: Electrolyte, conductivity, electrical properties, fuel cells
Author/s
Uzma Perveen, Asghari Maqsood (Nano scale Physics Laboratory, Air University, E-9, PAF
Complex, Islamabad)
M. Anis-ur- Rahman (Applied Thermal Physics Laboratory, COMSATS University of
Information Technology, Islamabad)
E.mail corresponding author: tpl.qau@usa.net

Paper ID E22
Paper Title
Effects of environmental pollution on plants in industrial area of Pakistan
Abstract
This study is an overview of the importance of environment and causes of its degradation in
developing countries. Plants act as producer and natural lungs and human is benefitted by plants
in every breath of life. For luxury life human is developing new technologies. Developments of
new technologies and anthropogenic activities have affected environmental quality in a lot of
ways. One of these factor is the industrial revolution in mega cities. This industrial revolution is
mainly responsible for environmental pollution which leads to degradation of environment. So,
the haphazard and fast industrial growth is producing an enormous environmental pollution
problem and is affecting not only distribution and growth of plants but also altering soil
characteristics of the industrial area. Environmental pollution by industrial revolution is a major
problem facing the world today and there is an increasing awareness of the fact that a clean
environment is necessary for better health of living organisms. One important generalization
which needs more emphasis is that the distribution of plant is greatly influenced by the
environmental changes brought out by human activities through an industrial revolution
particularly in an industrial city. These environmental changes can be realized by increase in
temperature in every coming year, dryness, desertification etc. Industries discharge different
kinds of waste effluents which are polluting the soil of nearby places, thus causing deleterious
effects to plant communities of the industrial areas. Soil act as basic medium for plant growth but
it is also polluted by industrial wastes. So, vegetation of industrial areas is disturbing due to
constructions of new industries day by day. As during the establishment of new industries natural
vegetation is destroyed on large scale if few species survive in such area they are threatened by
different types of pollutants discharged from industries. If the haphazard population growth and
the construction of new industrial structure go on then probably there would be more climatic
and vegetation changes in near future.
Author/s
Muhammad Kabir (Department of Biological Sciences, University of Sargodha, Sub-campus,
Bhakkar) m.kabir@uos.edu.pk
Um e Habiba (Department of Physics, University of Sargodha, Sub-campus, Bhakkar)
Muhammad Zafar Iqbal (Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270,
Pakistan)
Muhammad Shafiq (Department of Botany, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan)
Zia-Ur-Rehman Farooqi (Department of Botany, University of Karachi, 75270, Pakistan)

Paper ID E39
Paper Title
The Significance & Role of Rizq-e-Halaah (Legitimate Livelihood) in the Stability of Family
System
Abstract
Mankind came at this earth with their needs. The basic needs of mankind are food for eating,
water for drinking, cloths for wearing, summer, winter, rain, a house for saving from storm. The
responsibility of living is dependent on these essential requirements. Islam teaches the mankind
to earn lawful food. Many verses and hadiths are related for earning lawful food. Islam is a
peaceful religion. Therefore, to earn lawful (Halal) food, is appreciated. This is a fact that the
economic stability has positive effects on human beings' faith, believe, ethics, character,
thinking, thoughts, personality and the system of a family. Whereas the financial instability puts
negative effects on people's faith, believe ethics, character, thinking, thoughts, personality and
the system of a family. That is why, Islam advises the mankind for earning lawful (Halal)
foodstuff. All those sources are considered unlawful (Haraam) to earn money , which directly
effects the society or people's wealth, life, and faith. The lawful (Halah) money (food) motivates
the people towards goodness works and unlawful (Haraam) simulates the mankind to do sinful
deeds. Food affects the body, like same the unlawful (Haraam) money (food) effects soul.
Lawful foodstuff produces a spiritual power in people for goodness and righteousness and like
these people gives value, respect and importance to every relation. Which is a stair to make
strong the society? The aim of this draft to elucidate the importance of lawful money (foodstuff)
and its role in the stability of family system.
Keywords: Islamic Teachings, Mankind, Earth, Lawful Foodstuff (Halaal), Unlawful Foodstuff
(Haraam), Spiritual Power, Soul, Sinful Deeds
Author/s
Dr. Naseem Akhter (Department of Islamic Studies, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University,
Peshawar, Pakistan) khtr_nsm@yahoo.com, naseemakhter@sbbwu.edu.pk

Paper ID E93
Paper Title
Women of Wisdom and Sanity: The Life and Works of Female Sufies of Punjab
Abstract
The Islamic mysticism has a deep impact on the social, political, cultural, religious and
educational life of the people of Indo-Pak Subcontinent. The major Sufi orders played vital
role in development and growth of the Muslim society. Their religious and educational
services can be seen everywhere and cannot be ignored. Their shrines and monasteri es are
scattered around the country. But leaving aside the services of male Sufies, the role of
female sufi saints is very imperative in bringing up the social life of the women. They not
only guided the women of their society but also taught her various skills. They were the
mothers, grandmothers, sisters, wives and daughters of the renowned sufies. My dissertation
entitled as “Female Sufies: Socio Cultural impacts on society A case study of Punjab ”,
discusses the works and services and impact of the female saints on the society of Punjab. In
my ongoing PhD research I have endeavored to search out and locate the shrines, tombs,
works and services and entire life story of the female saints of Punjab. They were the ladies
of wisdom, sanity, judgment, astuteness and intelligence. Their intellectuality and wisdom
produced a scholar and intellectual class of Punjab. Unfortunately they were ignored and
neglected by the historians and hagiographers.

Keywords: saints, shrine, education, mysticism, society.

Author/s
Zobia Zafar Khan (PhD Scholar, The Women University, Multan)

Paper ID E88

Paper Title
Driver of Informal Entrepreneurship: A Case Study of Gujranwala City, Pakistan
Abstract
Informal entrepreneurship is a growing and globalizing experience in both developing and
developed nations and significant efforts have been made to explore the nature of informal
entrepreneurship in both nations. Literature on formal entrepreneurship is comprehensive
available but that informal entrepreneurship has received less attention in developing economies
especially in Pakistan. However, this study analytically assesses this assumption in the context of
informal entrepreneurship that people engage in this sector due to lack of jobs in formal sectors.
This study used the qualitative methods by using 20 semi-structured interviews in Gujranwala
city. The participants were selected through snowball sampling because the population of this
study was hidden. NVivo software used for data analysis and thematic analysis technique was
use to analysis the data. The findings of this study demonstrate that corruption and burden of
institutions are the main driver of the growth of informal entrepreneurship. The findings of this
paper would be helpful for policy makers to develop the effect policy to minimize the informal
practices in Pakistan.
Keywords: Informal, entrepreneurship, formal, snowball
Author/s
Aamar Ilyas (PhD Candidate, University Malaysia Sabah Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia).
Dr. Ramraini Bte Ali Hassan (University Malaysia Sabah Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia).

Paper ID E94
Paper Title
Effects of drinks on electrolytic activity of human body
Introduction:
We were interested to check how different drinks effects electrolytic activity in human body. We
performed a series of experiment by using different drinks e.g. tap water, sting, lemonade and
sugar+salt+water solution etc. And determine their current, potential difference and resistance
etc.
Apparatus used in this experiment was as follow;
Avometer copper electrode beaker battery or power source connecting wires. From experimental
results we came to know that almost all the drinks have been made on the standard conditions.
Commercial drinks like sting, red bull and other carbonated drinks etc. are being used in large
amount by athletes and sportsmen/women although these are used as energy drinks but along
with that these drinks also have harmful effects on body.

Conclusion:

We have concluded from this experiment that we have studied different scenario of homemade
remedies and came to know that they also have same electrolytic effects like other commercial
drinks so we should preferably use homemade drinks like lemonade, sugar + water solution etc.
because commercial drinks like red bull, sting and other carbonated drinks have their harmful
side effects such as effects on bones in kids, effects on stomach and kidneys, these drinks
damages teeth etc.
Author/s
Syeda Sidra Batool (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
M Ubaid khan (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
Seemab kazmi (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
Esha Marine (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
Muhammad Asad (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
Ali Jibran (Department of Chemistry, AIOU)
Supervisor: Dr. Nasima Arshad (Associate Prof. Department of Chemistry AIOU)

Paper ID 101
Paper Title
Cultural barriers encountered by women in getting higher education. A study of Mandi bahudin
Abstract
The main purpose of this study is to explore the situation of female education in Mandi Bahudin.
To carry out this research researcher used quantitative method to gather relevant data. 50 female
students of post graduate college Mandi Bahudin who are currently enrolled in intermediate and
bachelor’s level has been selected by using random sampling technique. Researcher used
questionnaires as a tool of data collection. The finding shows that there is not much problem for
girls to get higher education. Their parents and caste allow them to go to college. But they faced
discrimination by their parents. Their parents have more love for their brothers, their parents also
have insecure and doubtful behavior and do not allow them to go out alone. Girls face some
restriction but they have permission to get higher education.
Author/s
Sidra Muntaha (International Islamic University, Islamabad) sidratulmuntaha385@gmail.com

Paper ID 102
Paper Title
Positive Psychological Capital, Emotional Labor and Job Satisfaction in School Teachers
Abstract
This study targets the examination of Positive Psychological Capital, Emotional Labor and Job
Satisfaction in secondary school teachers. This has been hypothesized that teachers’
psychological capital competencies (self-efficacy, trust, extraversion, hope, optimism etc.) is
likely to predict emotional labor competencies and job satisfaction of secondary school teachers.
The sample comprised of (n=200) secondary school teachers both men and women, taken from
Government Secondary School of Gujranwala and Lahore. Quantitative cross sectional research
design was employed. Survey strategy was adopted to collect the data. The measures comprised
of Psychological Capital Scales, Emotional Labor Scale, and Job Satisfaction Scale. The data
was analyzed through SPSS version 23.00 which revealed that teachers higher on positive
psychological capital predicted low emotional labor and greater job satisfaction. It was also
explored out that positive Psychological Capital competencies in teachers affected their
disposition and inclination of showing emotional labor. The study contributes valuable
theoretical inkling and suggests practical policy implications for Psychological Competencies
and emotional labor at secondary school set ups.
Keywords: positive psychological capital, job satisfaction, secondary schools, emotional labor
Author/s
Muhammad Sulman (Ph D Scholar UCP) <muhammadsulman81@gmail.com>
Afsheen Malik (University of the Punjab Lahore) <drafsheenmasood@gmail.com>
Rafia Rafique (University of the Punjab Lahore) rafiawaqar@hotmail.com

Paper ID 108
Paper Title
GLDAS data for Seasonal and Annual Trend Analysis of Meteorological Variables in Peshawar
Abstract
Climate change can be described as major variations in the average climate in long terms.
Temporal variation in precipitation, humidity, wind speed and temperature are often assessed by
detecting and characterizing trends in available meteorological data. The objective of this study
was to determine the long-term trend analysis of GLDAS data based hydro-meteorological
variables (such as precipitation, temperature, wind speed, humidity etc.) in Peshawar. In this
study, average monthly temperature (AT), average humidity (AH), average wind speed (AWS)
and total precipitation (TP) data are obtained for the period from 1948 to 2010 for Peshawar
district. Least square trend method is employed for detecting the slopes of trend for all used
variables.
Keywords: Trend Analysis, Least square trend method, AIRS data sets, precipitation, humidity,
wind speed, temperature.
Author/s
Bushra Begum (Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University Peshawar)
<sbushra108@gmail.com>
Lubna Rafiq (University of Salzburg, Austria) Lubna.Rafiq@stud.sbg.ac.at

Paper ID 125
Paper Title
An Analysis of Speech Events in Telecommunication Advertisements within the Purview of
Hymes’ Speaking Model
Abstract
By following the qualitative mode of inquiry, the present study seeks to implement Hymes’
SPEAKING model (1974) in the analysis of English telecommunication advertisements. The
study also aims to find out the strategies employed by the advertisers in the planning and
organization of speech events in the telecommunication advertisements and thereby to attract and
persuade their potential customers into buying their products. Hymes’ theory of ethnography of
speaking (1974) provides the theoretical framework regarding practical application of the
concept in this regard. The data for the study comprises five English telecommunication
advertisements. The findings of the study reveal that the advertisers make use of all the
linguistic, paralinguistic and contextual factors mentioned in Hymes taxonomy SPEAKING for
effective communication and thereby aim to persuade their potential consumers into availing of
their services. The analysis has implication for teaching English effectively.
Keywords: Hymes’ SPEAKING model, telecommunication advertisements, ethnography of
speaking
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Yasmin Akhtar (FJWU Rawalpindi) <yasminakhtar1991@yahoo.com>
Abdul Hafeez (IMCB G-11/1, Islamabad) <Tangible_hafeez@yahoo.com>
Waseem Ahmad (NUML) <mwaseemawan@hotmail.com>

Paper ID 132
Paper Title
Laughter as Means of Politics in Pakistan: A Linguistic Study
Abstract
Negative attitudes and prejudice are communicated and enacted in hidden ways through jokes
(Allport, 1954; Freud, 2004). The present article analyzes the politics of laughter in the selected
Pakistani political internet jokes which are spread through social media in order to show/make
the political rivals or opponents as inferior, small, despicable or comic. Sigmund Freud (1960),
in his book ‘Jokes and their relations to unconscious, argues that political regimes, leaders, and
their policies are the objects of these jokes. He further goes on to assert that such jokes are
directed against leaders and these jokes become a weapon at the disposal of the people in the
terribly unequal power relations. Thus, the present paper employs the framework presented by
Freud in which he categorizes jokes into obscene jokes which serve the purpose of exposure and
hostile jokes that serve the purposes of aggressiveness and satire in order to show one’s rival as
inferior or disgraceful ( Freud, 1960). Besides, Ruskin’s (1985) divides jokes into three kinds as
a) sexual humor; b) ethnic humor; and c) political humor. The results of the study reveal that the
jokes which are spread through social media are used as means of politics in Pakistan as
Nonviolent political activists of Pakistan Muslim League N (PMLN) and Pakistan Tehreek-i-
Insaaf (PTI use humor to challenge opponents whom they consider more powerful, thus jokes are
used as tool to show the opposite political groups or leader as inferior or disgraceful as these two
mainstream political parties are in extreme opposition to each other.
Author/s
Muhammad Marri (International Islamic University Islamabad)
<hussain.phdeng101@iiu.edu.pk>

Paper ID 139
Paper Title
Pakistani English-Urdu Dictionaries: A Critical Study
Abstract
Bilingual dictionaries are a great source of learning for the non-native speakers and the second
language learners. They are used to learn and comprehend the linguistic as well as cultural
references of words and phrases of the target language. As the world has become a global village
giving rise to the need for communication among the people belonging to different communities
and ethnicities, the importance of bilingual lexicography has also increased. The tradition of
bilingual lexicography has a long and healthy history in South Asia. The Western colonialism in
the Indian Subcontinent served as the terminus a quo for bilingual lexicography because the
colonists needed to understand the vernacular language(s) to communicate with the locals. Of
course, the Western glossarists began the tradition of multilingual lexicons to help the settlers. In
August 1947, colonialism came to an end in the Subcontinent, but the tradition of and the need
for bilingual lexicography continued. The British-made political and bureaucratic system gave
new life to the use of English language in the newly created state of Pakistan. The demand for
bilingual dictionaries was also part of that new life. This research paper sheds light on the
bilingual lexicographical tradition in the Subcontinent, and examines the value and utility of
English-to-Urdu dictionaries compiled during the past seven decades in Pakistan.
Author/s
Atif Butt (University of the Punjab) <atifk.butt@gmail.com>

Paper ID 144
Paper Title
Activity Based Learning in General Science Accelerates Affective Domain Outcomes
Abstract
This study is aimed to find effectiveness of activity based learning (ABL) for the acceleration of
affective domain outcomes particularly in the understanding and learning of general science at
elementary Level. ABL is an advanced, well-organized, well-structured, and controlled type of
learning which aims at making students produce an error free concept. The science teaching must
reduce anxiety to learn science and increase affective domain outcomes. For the present study,
pretest post-test control group experimental research design was selected. Experimental group
was taught by activities whereas control group was taught by routine lecture method. A pretest
and a test to find affective domain outcomes were administered to both groups at the start of the
treatment. Posttest was administered at the end of the treatment. The affective domain test was
also used to find change in affective outcomes of students regarding learning science. The
treatment duration was of eight weeks. T-test was used to analyze the data. The results displayed
that ABL is very appropriate method for enhancing student’s learning and affective domain
outcomes. It is recommended that more activities must be arranged in the schools for science
teaching and learning so that better understanding of concepts and enhancement of affective
domain outcomes can be made possible.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU) farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Sidra Khushnood (AIOU)

Paper ID 147
Paper Title
Genre Analysis of Tender Notices taken from Pakistani Newspapers
Abstract
This paper presents the genre analysis of tender notices- a tender which is an offer or invitation
for stock holders of a publicly traded corporation. Following the methodology developed by
Swales (1981), thirty tender notices published in Dawn newspaper were analysed in terms of
their four cognitive move structure. Based upon this analysis it is concluded that there may be
difficulties in interpretation due to a lack of clarity in the format of tender notices and some
abbreviations are used which cannot be understand by common people. Given that the study is
based on the tender notices taken from Pakistani newspapers, no generalization can be made.
However the study provides a baseline from which future studies can be measured. As such it
increases our knowledge of the academic genres.
Keywords: Tender notices, traded corporation, move structure, Pakistani newspapers, Academic
genres.
Author/s
Fareeha Aazam (BZU, Multan) <fareeha.aazam786@gmail.com>

Paper ID 153
Paper Title
Effect of Experimental Method on Development of Science Comprehension in High School
Biology: A Systematic Review
Abstract
Student comprehension of Biology in Pakistan is not up to the mark. Main purpose of this study
is to see either comprehension is enhanced through Experimental Method among high school
students or not. Methodology consisted of a systematic review of already existing related
literature and Meta-analysis has been done as data analysis technique, adopted from medical
education research. Findings reveal that using Experimental Method helps in development of
Biology understanding. The findings lead to conclusion that there is need to implement the utility
of Experimental Method. Findings show that Experimental Method is more effective than routine
methods of teaching Biology. This method helps in development of Biology comprehension and
scholastic achievement. It is recommended that teacher and students should be familiar with
Experimental Method and also implement this technique into teacher training institutes for better
quality in science education.
Author/s
Dr. Samiullah (AIOU Islamabad) <sami.ullah@aiou.edu.pk>
Naseem Kousar (AIOU) <naseemkousar230@gmail.com>

Paper ID 155
Paper Title
Assessing Correlation between Infectious Diseases and Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnant
Women of Islamabad.
Abstract
This research work illustrates the correlation between infectious diseases with iron deficiency
anemia (IDA) which provided the information regarding the susceptibility and severity levels of
IDA due to pathogenic agents in anemic pregnant females of different aged groups. The present
study was conducted at gynecology departments of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences
(PIMS) and Kahuta Research Laboratories (KRL) of Islamabad. A sample of 200 pregnant
anemic females were randomly selected for this research study comprising of different aged
groups, which were investigated regarding their detailed profile histories of their family’s
diseases, dietary habits, present and past medical histories along with their medical reports. It
was found from the results that, out of 200 pregnant females more than 60% of the females were
detected as infectious, from which 55% females exhibited very severe levels of anemia with their
hemoglobin levels less than 7 g/dL. It was observed many undesirable adverse effects of
infectious diseases regarding the absorption of iron in anemic pregnant females. To minimize the
frequency of infections during iron deficiency anemia, the patients could ensure proper
diagnosis, treatments and follow-ups for the cure and betterment of such problems.
Author/s
Muhammad Qasim (AIOU) <mqasim99@yahoo.com>
Zahid ullah (AIOU) <zahid_apura@yahoo.com>
Hina Fatimah (AIOU) <hinafatimah@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 163
Paper Title
Magnetorotational Instability in Spin Quantum Plasmas
Abstract
The magnetorotational instability (MRI) is analyzed using a two fluid model with the effect of
spin magnetization in a differentially rotating degenerate electron-ion (e-i) quantum plasma. The
electrons are taken to be degenerate whereas ions are considered as classical owing to their large
inertia. The general dispersion relation for spin quantum e-i plasma is derived and a local
dispersion relation for MRI is obtained by applying MHD approximations. The obtained MRI
criterion is discussed for both magnetized and un-magnetized plasma duly modified by spin
correction term. The instability criteria differ significantly from that reported for the case of
classical plasma. Spin magnetization plays a vital role via coupling to the Alfvénic speed and can
alter the instability criterion which leads to the transport phenomenon in compact astrophysical
objects.
Author/s
Sadiq Usman (International Islamic University) <sadiq.phdphy53@iiu.edu.pk>
Mushtaq Ahmad (International Islamic University) <msherpao@gmail.com>
Qasim Jan (Abdul Wali Khan university Mardan) <qasimjanqasim@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 173
Paper Title
Difficulties in Reading Comprehension among EFL Learners at Intermediate Level and
Recommended Strategies
Abstract
The study is to analyze the difficulties in reading comprehension among EFL (English as a
Foreign Language) learners and strategies to overcome those difficulties. The objectives of the
study are to find out the difficulties faced by students in reading comprehension and strategies to
improve reading comprehension. It will increase awareness among teachers regarding the
problems in reading comprehension which students come across and enable teachers to use
reading comprehension strategies. The researcher has used ‘Quantitative Method’. Questionnaire
is used to collect data. Sample of the study is included 30 students. The quantitative data is
tabulated and analyzed by using SPSS Statistics. It is evaluated that students of English language
have problems in reading comprehension as they are unable to understand the words, long
sentence structure and complicated vocabulary. Neither they are able to find out central idea nor
specific information provided in the paragraphs. The findings of the study also reveal that the
students at Intermediate level are quite unaware about the use of reading comprehension
strategies such as Pre-reading, While-Reading and Post-reading. The recommended strategies
are: predicting, analyzing, inferring, summarizing, questioning and visualization.
Keywords: Reading Comprehension, Difficulties, Strategies
Author/s
Tayyaba Tajamal (University of Gujrat, Sub-Campus, Narowal) <tayyabasaqib@outlook.com>

Paper ID 179
Paper Title
Investigation of Nematic liquid crystal dispersed with multi-walled carbon-nanotubes: Electro-
optical and dielectric spectroscopic studies
Abstract
Nematic liquid crystals, 4-(pentyloxy) benzoic acid, were doped with muti-walled carbon
nanotubes (MWCNT) in different concentration and the hybrid material was examined for the
electro-optical and dielectric properties. It was observed that the aggregates quickly evolved with
the increase of the concentration of CNT. The dispersion of CNT in LC causes significantly
decreased in nematic to isotropic (TN-I) transition temperature while no such effect was
observed in nematic to crystallization temperature TN-C. The effect on TN-I shows almost a
linear dependency on the concentration of CNT. The threshold voltage was found to increase
with increasing CNT concentration which can be attributed to the strong anchoring of LC on the
surface of CNT. The presence of CNT in LC causes the parallel component of dielectric
permittivity ′∥ to increase in faster rate as compared to perpendicular component ′⊥. The same
change was also observed in the value of dielectric anisotropy. This could be induced by the
coupling of the electrical dipole moments in the CNTs with the LC director field. The electrically
driven optical response time, or on-time was found independent of the concentration of CNT
while the off time, which is purely elastically driven, decreases with increasing concentration of
CNT. In homeotropic alignment, the hybrid material produced a square grid pattern under the
influence of electric field above a certain critical voltage(Vc) value. The width of the grid pattern
was found independent of the concentration of CNT.
Author/s
Abdul Bais (Department of Chemistry, AIOU) <abdul_bais2007@yahoo.com>
Dr. Zaman Ashraf (Department of Chemistry, AIOU) <mzchem78@gmail.com>

Paper ID 186
Paper Title
Investigation of difficult topics in the subject of biology at secondary school level
Abstract
The study was conducted to find out the various reasons students perceived lesson difficult in
biology in learning at secondary school level. The objectives of the study were (a) to identify
topics in biology that were perceived to be difficult for high school pupils to learn. (b) To find
out why the topics identified in . (c) Why are these topics perceived to be so difficult? (d) What
is the effect of gender differences on the perception of learning difficulties among high school
pupils?(e) What possible practical teaching and learning strategies would address pupils
Population of the study was all Science students studying biology in Tehsil Rawalpindi and
students of 9th and 10th class were selected randomly. It was found that Mendelian genetics,
mitosis and meiosis, genes and chromosomes, DNA synthesis, skeletal system and Evolution. In
the study the basic statistical tool, descriptive stat was used to find out the data in the research.
The study has shown that pupils found the aforesaid topics difficult to learn due to a number of
reasons which, among many others, include: less qualified teachers’ explanations which made it
difficult for the students to grasp the concepts under discussion, the topics were characterized by
complex terms which were difficult to read and recall. Some of the topics in biology perceived as
difficult were mathematical in nature like genetics and so they proved to be challenging to pupils
with poor mathematical background. There is positive relationship between student attitudes was
less positive towards Biology subject as well as academic achievement in the biology subject
was also very low. Majority of the students were failed in biology. The study established that
gender difference had an impact on pupils’ perception of difficult topics. The boys and girls did
not perceive the difficult topics the same way.
Keywords: Biology, Difficult concept, Genetics, Gender difference
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Zafar Shahid (AIOU) <zafarshahid3@gmail.com>
Dr. Samiullah (AIOU Islamabad) <sami.ullah@aiou.edu.pk>

Paper ID 191
Paper Title
Science Students’ Attitude towards Physics and its Relationship with Academic Achievement in
Physics at Secondary Level
Abstract
Attitude towards science affects students’ achievement in science education. The study of
Physics at secondary level has a significance place in the curriculum. This study aimed to find
the student’s attitude towards Physics and its relationship with Physics scores at secondary level.
The present study is quantitative in nature and survey method was used for it. A sample of one
thousand science students was randomly selected from population through multistage stratified
sampling. The data was collected by administrating attitude questionnaire and obtaining result of
secondary school board examinations. The findings revealed that student’s have less attitude
towards physics. Moreover, most of the students failed in Physics subject which can be attributed
to less attitude towards Physics. It is recommended that teachers must focus on the development
of student’s attitudes towards physics so that more students’ can become scientists.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Choudhary (AIOU) <farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk>
Sobia Zaman (AIOU) <ravian651@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 193
Paper Title
Science Simulation and Academic Achievement of Students
Abstract
The trend of teaching through computer simulation has increased with the advent of powerful
graphics-oriented computers. The present research aimed to investigate the effect of simulation
teaching on the academic achievement of engineering students. For this experimental study, two
equivalent groups were formed randomly. The Participants of the study were Junior consisted of
100 students enrolled for Diploma in Associate Engineering in electrical field. A pretest was
conducted for randomization. The control group was taught through the lecture method however
experimental groups through simulation. The comparisons of both the group were made using t-
test. Result of analysis showed that experimental group obtained significantly higher gain in
achievement than control group in the posttest. The study showed the effectiveness of simulation
in teaching learning process. On the basis of the finding, it is recommended that the simulation
method must be used in teaching engineering subjects.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Choudhary (AIOU) <farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk>
Amjad Ali (Military College of Signals) <amjad0026@gmail.com>

Paper ID 194
Paper Title
Synthesis, characterization and biological screening of ferrocene based bimetalic complexes
Abstract
The new bimetallic complexes of Calcium (II), Magnesium (II) and Zinc (II) with 4-ferrocenyl
benzoic acid and incorporated nitrogen donors using; 1, 10-phenonthroline and 2, 2-bipyridyl as
ligands were synthesized and characterized by physiochemical methods. All these complexes
were characterized with various analytical techniques such as 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, TGA, FT-
IR, CHNS. These synthesized complexes have been tested against medical important bacteria
and as well as fungal species. Strong zone of inhibition against different bacterial strains and as
well as fungal strains were shown by these complexes. Efficient results have been obtained as
anti leishmanial agents for these complexes. All complexes also have shown good capability of
DNA binding as checked by UV-visible spectroscopy. Spontaneity of DNA-complex reaction is

shows that drug molecule was inserted in DNA double stranded helical structure. Calcium,
magnesium and zinc complexes have aromatic and polycyclic molecular parts, which are more
compatible with DNA strand, thus intercalation modes are most favorable.
Author/s
Gul Wali Khan, gulwalikhan32@gmail.com
Dr. Moazzam Hussain Bhatti (Associate Professor, Dept. of Chemistry, Allama Iqbal Open
University, Islamabad)

Paper ID 192
Paper Title
Exploration of Satisfaction and Problems of Online Learning for BS Computer Science
Programme: A Case Study
Abstract
The technological advancements have great impact on teaching and learning. In this era, courses
are being offered, taught and assess through online resources and Learning Management Systems
(LMS). This paper is focused to explore the satisfaction and problems of E-leaner regarding
content, interaction with the instructor and other students, assessment and evaluation. It also
explored problems faced by the on line learners for BS Computer Science program offered
virtually and face to face mode. Quantitative research design was used for this study, where
survey method was used to collect data. A sample of 156 BS computer science students was
selected through random sampling. The data was collected through questionnaire based upon
Likert scale. The questionnaire consisted of 35 statements. Overall, majority of the students were
satisfied with different features of online mode of learning for BS Computer Science program
like content, assessment and evaluation, modes of interaction and delivery but a less percentage
of student’s satisfaction was observed regarding their interaction with the instructor. It is
recommended that more researches should be conducted in order to explore about the other
parameters like student’s achievements and grads in online learning program as well as to
analyze other programs offered virtually. Universities should offer more and more virtual and
online programs and play its role in enhancing higher education in country.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU) farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Irum Shehzadi (AIOU)

Paper ID 196
Paper Title
Impact of Physical Disabilities on Sexual Esteem, Sexual Depression, and Quality of Life among
Male and Female Universities Students in Peshawar
Abstract
The present study investigated the impact of physical disabilities (congenital and non-congenital)
on sexual esteem, sexual depression and quality of life among male and female physically
disable, universities students. A sample of (N=100) physical disables students were included in
this study, consisting of an equal number of male and female, with (n=50) congenital physical
disable students and (n=50) non-congenital physical disable students. It was assumed that male
disables students score high on sexual esteem scale as compared to female disable, and female
disables students score high on sexual depression as compared to male disable students. For
congenital disability, they will score high on sexual esteem scale and quality of life as compared
to non-congenital disable students. Sexual esteem and sexual depression were investigated by the
subscales of sexuality scale. Detailed of onset of disability was determined by the demographic
sheet. And the quality of life was measured by WHOQOL-BREF (World health organization,
quality of life) scale. Independent sample t-test was run for data analysis. Result of the study
showed that male obtained high score on sexual esteem scale as compared to female disable
students, while for sexual depression, results showed no difference between male and female. On
the other hand, result also found that congenital disable student score higher on sexual esteem
scale and as well as quality of life scale. Our finding concluded that male disable students have
higher sexual esteem then female but have no difference regarding sexual depression. And
congenital disable students score higher on quality of life and sexual esteem scale as compared to
non congenital disable students.
Author/s
Raheela Begum <raheelaanjum57@gmail.com>

Paper ID 148
Paper Title
Critical Discourse Analysis of Persuasive Strategies in Political Discourse: A study of Pakistani
Political Representative’s Tweets
Abstract
The current study focuses to understand the persuasive strategies behind political discourse on
social media in Pakistani context. The analysis is grounded in Fairclough's (1992) theory of
‘critical discourse analysis’ which claims that "texts are open to diverse interpretations" and
"ideologies reside in texts". The paper examines the way, social networking site, twitter is being
operated as a tool to communicate persuasive language of representatives of three Pakistani
political parties named Pakistan Muslim League Noon, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan
people’s party. Three hundred (300) tweets of representatives from above three mentioned
political parties have been selected as corpus. The study assessed persuasiveness of tweets of
political representatives and sought to determine the ways, the politicians manipulate language to
gain the people to their side. Critical discourse analysis puts forth the real intensions behind the
tweets. As the tweets show criticism to discredit the worth of opponent parties and emphasize the
need of flawless leadership, it is analyzed how the political representatives express their position
to attract a new vote bank for their parties in coming 2018elections in Pakistan.
Keywords: Political discourse, Persuasive language, Ideologies, Tweets, Political
representatives, Twitter.
Author/s
Fareeha Aazam (BZU, Multan) <fareeha.aazam786@gmail.com>
Shumaila Khaliq (BZU, Multan) <shumailakhaliq1234@gmail.comm>
Amna Azam (The Women University, Multan) <amnaazam123456@gmail.com>

Paper ID E97
Paper Title
ESL Writing Skills and Peer Feedback Efforts
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of peer feedback (PFB) in the development of writing skills
for the (ESL) English as a second language student. This research interprets five aspects of
writing skills. 1: Content 2: Organization 3: Vocabulary 4: Grammar 5: Mechanics, which can
improved administering peer feedback. Peer feedback measured students’ attitude and
perception about writing apprehension before and after applying peer feedback (PEB) for (ESL)
English as a second language learning writing skills. Four Government degree women colleges
of district Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan) were selected for this research population. Twenty
eight female students were selected for the research, for academic year 2016 -2018 and these
girls were divided in two groups fourteen girls were in Controlled group and fourteen girls were
in Experimental group. Total 112 girls participated from each degree college. Fifty-six in
Controlled group and fifty-six in Experimental Group. To analyze the progress of the both
groups students pre-test and post-test were applied as methodology, questionnaires were used as
experimental tool. Quantitative data was collected through statistical means and the standard of
deviation was analyzed from the collective data of both the groups from four colleges. Finding of
the present research about peer feedback was a struggle to enhance second language (L2) writing
skills. Students improved their confidence level and developed their motivational skills. This
research also helped students to develop their critical thinking.
Keywords: Peer Feedback, ESL, PFB, L2, Critical thinking, Controlled Group, Experimental
Group, Motivational level, Participants, Content, Organization, Vocabulary, Grammar,
Mechanics.
Author/s
Asia Iqbal (Lecturer, Department of Media Studies, IUB) <iqbalasia11@gmail.com>
Rashid Hussan (Ph.D Scholar, Foundation University Rawalpindi Campus)

Paper ID E2
Paper Title
Objective and Structure of Qualitative Approach
Abstract
This paper analyzes the objective and structure of qualitative approach where structure involves
ontological and epistemological considerations along with the nature of theory and some other
practical dimensions which, ultimately, focuses the argument on the question of values in the
research. The referred notion of practical consideration includes ethical dilemmas and
subjectivity of a researcher which induces the need to understand the subject of values in the
realm of social world. Thus, the essay attempts to argue that qualitative research can’t be value
free and this is not because of the provided hurdles but the design, constructivism and
interpretivism as epistemological and ontological paradigms respectively, is asking to do so. The
main argument is strengthened by comparing qualitative method with respect to the quantitative
one in order to understand and share the conflict between embedded variables and the notion of
values.
Author/s
Tahira Khan (BS (Hons) Political Science, University of the Punjab,
Lahore) <tahiraadamkhan@gmail.com>

Paper ID E25
Paper Title
The History of Bahawalpur State as described in The Sadiq-ul-Akhbar Bahawalpur: Problems
and Perspectives
Abstract
In the second half of the 19th century, The Government of Bahawalpur decided to issue a
newspaper. It was felt that the government must keep the public update of the contemporary
world. Therefore, Political Agent Major Minchin considered it to issue a newspaper and
established a lithograph printing press at Bahawalpur. Initially it was a branch Matba’a Kooh-e-
Noor Lahore. Later on it was renamed after the name of ruling prince Nawab Sadiq Muhammad
Khan IV (1866-1899) as Matba’a Sadiq-ul-Anwaar. Pandit Dawarka Nath was appointed as the
first administrator of the Sadiq-ul-Anwar Press and editor-in-chief of the Sadiq-ul-Akhbar, while
Munshi Bora Mal was employed as printer. The first inscriber of the paper was Moulvi Sheikh
Muhammad. This newspaper contained court circulars, state gazette, announcements, reports of
the public servants, orders, information about the transfers, promotions and appointments of the
officers. The newspaper monopolized the journalism in the state until it was closed down after
the emergence of one unit scheme in 1955. The Sadiq-ul-Akbar being the primary source for the
annual administrative reports and other historical books and documents holds a unique position
among the sources for the history of Bahawalpur. My ongoing PhD research is primarily based
on that newspaper. I have to explore socio-cultural, political administrative, judicial, religious
and literary history of the Bahawalpur State from Sadiq-ul-Akhbar. The present paper is an
introduction of a rare source of the history of Bahawalpur.
Keywords: Newspaper, administration, Political Agency, Regence, Native
Author/s
Muhammad Suhaib Khan (PhD Scholar, The Department of History, The Islamia University of
Bahawalpur) sobikha@yahoo.com

Paper ID E21
Paper Title
Effect of doping of Holmium on the dielectric properties of Sr-ferrite as a function of frequency
and temperature
Abstract
Holmium doped strontium ferrite with composition Sr12-xHoxO19 where x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4 were
synthesized by the sol-gel method. Prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction
(XRD) for structural analysis. All samples were found hexagonal packed and belonging to p63-
mmc space group. AC electrical conductivity of the samples was measured as a function of
frequency (100Hz- 3MHz) and temperature in the range from 25 C to 450 C. It was observed
that AC electrical conductivity has direct dependence on frequency and temperature. Decreased
AC conductivity by doping Holmium into Strontium ferrite decreased the current losses (Eddy
loss) and lowered the noise. This type of material can be used for higher frequency application in
microware antenna which requires highly resistive material for the absorption of high frequency
signals. Main advantage of substituting Holmium in Sr ferrites is in antenna to lower its cost and
increase its efficiency.
Keywords: X-ray diffraction, sol-gel method, ac conductivity, antenna
Author/s
Rakeel M. Baig (Nanoscale Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Air University, PAF E-
9, Islamabad)
M. Anis-Ur- Rehaman (Applied Thermal Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics,
COMSATS University, Islamabad)
A. Maqsood (Nanoscale Physics Laboratory, Department of Physics, Air University, PAF E-9,
Islamabad)
Corresponding author e-mail: tpl.qau@usa.net

Paper ID E26
Paper Title
Sufism: Positive and Negative Dimensions written
Abstract
In order to promote love and understanding between Muslims and others and to remove the
misunderstandings about Islam that abound, it is important to highlight the spiritual and humane
aspects of Islam. This spiritual dimension of Islam is called Sufism, or Tasawwuf. Islam seeks to
bring man close to God. It can be thought of as consisting of two halves. The first half is related
to the external Shariah. The other half is linked to the individual’s own inner quest. The Shariah
provides the seeker of Truth with the basic framework so that he can continue his journey while
saving himself from going astray. The Quran teaches us both the love and the fear of God. The
Sufis gave great stress to the dimension of love, drawing support for this from numerous Quranic
verses, including the following:
‘God will replace them by others who love Him and are loved by Him.’ (5:54)
The noted 18th century Muslim scholar from Delhi, Shah Waliullah writes that his father was a
great Sufi, and that he would often recite the following lines:
The comfort of the two worlds lies hidden in just two phrases:
Softness with friends and good behaviour with foes.
Hafiz Shirazi, the famous 14th century Persian poet, beautifully encapsulates the Sufi approach
in the following couplet:
I have not read the stories of emperors like Alexander and Dara.
If you have to ask, then ask me only about love and loyalty.
It was this love that the Sufis embodied that endeared them to everyone. People from all walks of
life and from different religious and community backgrounds sought to be in their presence. The
Sufis and the atmosphere that they helped promote enabled people of different faith backgrounds
to closely interact with each other. A natural result of this was that people of other faiths learnt
about the beauties of Islam, as a result of which large numbers of them embraced it.
There is a fairly widespread misconception that Sufism teaches the renunciation of the world. As
far as genuine Sufism is concerned, this is definitely not true. What Sufism teaches is not
renunciation of the world, but, rather, renunciation of worldliness.
It is often the case that something that starts off as a natural phenomenon turns into something
quite different. This happened with Sufism, too. The Sufism of the early period of Muslim
history was quite distinct from later trends. Instead of making the Islamic aspect of Sufism
dominant, these later forms of Sufism sought to make the Sufi aspect of Islam dominant. In this
way, along with its many benefits, some negative aspects also crept into Sufism.
Islam is undoubtedly a religion of spirituality. But the spirituality of Islam is linked to the whole
of our being. It seeks to nourish every aspect of our lives. But later forms of Sufism that emerged
departed from this. They no longer played any effective role in human life except in a very
restricted sphere. One major reason for this predicament are forms of Sufism that later emerged,
which were extremely one-sided and that had come to exercise a pervasive influence in many
Muslim societies. Modern science treats natural phenomena as objects of research and
investigation. In contrast, these forms of Sufism are but another name for getting lost in dreams,
claims of mukashifa or ‘unveiling’ and alleged mysterious happenings. This sort of extremism in
later forms of Sufism played a crucial role in shaping Muslim opinion, encouraging Muslims to
turn their minds away from the realities of this world. It was roughly in the same period when
these forms of Sufism emerged that people in the West began turning to investigating natural
phenomena. A result of this intellectual difference is the very obvious empirical difference that
exists between the Western and the Muslim worlds today.
Author/s
Prof Anwar ul Islam Qureshi <anwarqureshi2007@gmail.com>
Paper ID 394
Paper Title
Fertility Differentials among Working and Non-Working Females: A Study of Gujrat, Pakistan
Abstract
The study was conducted to know the fertility differences among working and non-working
females of Gujrat, Pakistan. The universe of the study was both working and non-working
married females who competed at least 5 years of married life with at least 2 children (Dead or
Alive). For this purpose, researcher conduct the screening interviews in first phase to identify the
females who completed 5 years of married life and having at least 2 children. For selecting
respondents researcher used purposive sampling from the non-probability sampling. 95
respondents were taken as sample size. In final phase researcher conduct face to face interview
for data collection. Questionnaire was used as data collection tool in the present study. Data was
analyzed by SPSS and descriptive statistics and chi-square was used to get appropriate, accurate
and more reliable results. The research shows considerable fertility differentials among working
and non-working female. Working females have less number of children, no preference to male
kids, and having more space between two births as compared to non-working females.
Keywords: Fertility differentials, Married Cycle, Non-Probability Sampling, SPSS,
Author/s
Adila Kokab (Education Department) <adilakokab@gmail.com>

POSTER PRESENTATION
Paper ID 231
Paper Title
Ifta in Pakistan & Women Marital Rights: An Analytical Approach
Abstract
In Pakistan the task of Fatwa has been exercising by a number of religious sects. Each of them is
following their own Madhab in the light of its true teachings. There are number of Madaris in
Pakistan and their graduates are assigned to issue the Fatwa. In Islamic Law Fatwa is not a new
Phenomenon. Allah has address in Quran at different occasions. Allah SWT asked the Muslims
always seek knowledge from those who possess it. Women Marital Rights also elaborated by
different scholars under the umbrella of Islamic teachings. This research is analytical in nature as
study of institution of Ifta in Pakistan and women marital rights in the light of Islamic teachings.
The main objective of the research is to know the actual rulings of Islam related to women
marital rights, mainly Marriage, Separation, Maintenance and child custody and the role of
Institution of Ifta in its implementation. The researcher has concluded that the Institution of Ifta
in Pakistan is playing their role but sometimes Mufti do not know about the methodology of
Fatwa on which their predecessors had to face during the process of Ifta.
Author/s
Nazia Zaman (Islamic Law, AIOU) <naziazamanfjwu@gmail.com>

Paper ID 413
Paper Title
Determination of heavy metals contamination in industrial area Islamabad
Abstract
In all around the world due to industrialization pollution in air, water and soil increasing day by
day, specially air water and soil of industrial area is highly contaminated by the accumulation of
heavy metals, most commonly heavy metal found in industrial area is lead (Pb), chromium (Cr),
arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), Iron (Fe). Heavy metal
contamination of soil may pose risks and hazards to humans and the ecosystem. In small
quantities, metals such as iron, copper, manganese, and zinc are essential for good health.
However, these heavy metals become toxic when they do not get metabolized by the body and
end up accumulating in the soft tissues. Ingestion is the most common route of exposure to heavy
metals. In plants, uptake of heavy metals depends on the plant species and bio-availability of the
metal in the soils. In this study heavy metals concentration is determine in Soil and ground water
of industrial area Islamabad. Sample of soil is taken from near surface and top soil. The study of
interest heavy metals are Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Pb. All samples were analyzed on atomic
absorption spectrophotometer.
Author/s
Muhammad Affan safi (Inorganic Chemistry, AIOU) <maffansafi@gmail.com>

Paper ID 203
Paper Title
Spatial Decision Support System for Open and Distance Learning - A Case Study of AIOU
Abstract
Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) is Pakistan’s largest distance learning institute, providing
education to around 1.4 million students annually. This is a fairly large setup across a country
where students are highly geographically distributed. Currently, the resource allocation system
works using a manual approach, which is not efficient. Allocation of these resources to students
plays a key role in creating a better learning environment for distance learning. Assigning these
resources (tutors, study centers, exam centers etc) to distance learning students is a challenging
task when there is a huge geographic spread. Using geospatial technologies in open and distance
learning can fix allocation problems. This research analyzes real data from the twin cities
Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The results show that geospatial technologies can be used for
efficient and proper resource utilization and allocation, which in turn can save time and money.
The overall idea fits into an improved distance learning framework and related analytics.
Author/s
Shahid Nawaz (NUST) <snawaz.ms16igis@igis.nust.edu.pk>
Kamran Mir (AIOU) <kamran.mir@aiou.edu.pk>
Muhammad Ali Tahir (NUST) <ali.tahir@igis.nust.edu.pk>
Arshad Awan (AIOU) <m99arshad@aiou.edu.pk>
Zaib un Nisa (AIOU) <zaib.nisa@aiou.edu.pk>
Syeda Areeba Gillani (Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University)
<syedaareebagillani@gmail.com>

Paper ID 397
Paper Title
Effect of Science Teacher’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Skills through Technology
Blended Induction Program on the Academic Achievement of Students
Abstract
Teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and skills are very much essential for science
teacher’s training program. The study is to explore the effect of improvement in PCK and skills
of science teachers through technology blended training on the academic achievement of their
students. A systematic review was done for this study. A quantitative approach was used for the
study. As a result of systematic review, themes were identified and it was found that after
improving teachers’ PCK and skills through training has a positive effect on students’
achievement. Moreover, science teacher’s pedagogical content knowledge and skills can be
improved with the use of advanced technologies like computer software, mobile applications,
learning management systems, simulations etc, in teacher’s training programs. It can also yield
better students’ academic achievement especially in science courses. Therefore, it is
recommended that information communication technologies should be used to actively engaged
science teachers in professional development courses and programs. It will also helpful in
improving teaching skills of science teachers.

Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU) farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Haleema Bibi (AIOU)

Paper ID 190
Paper Title
Does Science Teacher’s Attitude affect Student’s Attitude and Achievement: A Correlation study
Abstract
Teachers’ attitude and believes are important considerations for the understanding of student’s
attitude as student’s academic achievement is affected by the teachers’ attitude. The objective of
this study was to explore and compare science teacher’s and student’s attitude towards Physics.
It also aimed to find correlation between attitude of teacher’s towards Physics and the academic
achievement of students. A sample of 100 teachers and 1000 students was considered for this
research. Two questionnaires regarding “attitude towards Physics” were developed for data
collection. The data revealed that there was no significant difference between the attitudes
constructs of Physics teachers and students. Both possess fewer attitudes towards Physics.
Moreover, the academic achievement of students was also found low. A strong correlation was
found between teacher’s attitude and teacher’s attitude. It is recommended that teachers must
inculcate among students positive attitude towards Physics.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Choudhary (AIOU) <farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk>
Sobia Zaman (AIOU) ravian651@yahoo.com

Paper ID 44

Paper Title

Solar Tracking System: Effective and Efficient Use of Solar Panels

Abstract

Global warming is exponentially increasing day by day due to excessive use of fossil fuels and
human activities on earth. It is a real threat and a serious issue of modern world. Use of
renewable energy instead of classical energy resources such as coal, petroleum and Sui gas can
mitigate the problem of environmental pollution. As a result, we can overcome the problems of
global warming and severe climate change from Pakistan. Furthermore, solar energy is an eco-
friendly, easily available and more effective source of renewable energy. Solar panels are used to
change sun energy into electricity using solar cells. In this paper, solar tracking system was used
to study the difference between the efficiency of static solar panel and move-able solar panel. It
was noted after practical implementation of system that solar tracking system is 28 percent more
efficient over static solar panel. This system is suitable to be used in educational institutions,
homes and small business industries that want to save their budget for long term.

Author/s
Muhammad Baqar Hussain Shah (Allama Iqbal Open University) smbaqarhamdani@gmail.com

Paper ID 150
Paper Title
Sero-prevalence, hematological and biochemical analysis of camel toxoplasmosis in district
Mianwali, Punjab, Pakistan
Abstract
Toxoplasma (T.) gondii is an intracellular parasite, which infects human and animals by
ingestion of tissue cyst, raw or undercooked meat or oocyst from soil, vegetables, fruits, water,
soil and food contaminated by cat faeces or by transmission through the placenta, milk and blood
transfusion. Present study was conducted on estimation of prevalence of toxoplasma in camels of
district Mianwali. Study was conducted from start of April 2017 to end of the March 2018. Over
all prevalence was found as 38%. Female camels were 31.3% while male were 68.7% positive.
On complete blood count analysis increased number of white blood cells and monocytes while
low number lymphocytes (lymphopenia) Hb and PCV were recorded. While significantly high
levels of liver enzymes ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase),
potassium and glucose were observed.
Author/s
Awais Masud (District Diagnostic Laboratory for Livestock Mianwali. Livestock & Dairy
Development Department, Govt. of Punjab) adiomianwali2015@gmail.com

Paper ID 152
Paper Title
Detection and Extraction of Antibacterial Compounds from the Leaves of Sochus Asper
Abstract
Antibiotic resistance among various pathogenic bacteria poses a serious threat on human health.
Alternative ways for making drugs and assuring drug sustainability is the major concern of
researcher in recent era. With a vision to explore natural ways to combat antibiotic resistance, the
present research was designed to extract and evaluate the antibacterial activity of crude extract of
Sonchus asper. Methonolic extract was tested against a group of common human pathogens
including Gram positive bacteria S. aureus & Bacillus spizizenii and Gram negative bacteria E.
coli and P. aureginosa. Well diffusion method was used with DMSO as negative control and
penciline as positive control. Zone of inhibition for bacterial growth was measured in mm.
Methanolic extract of S. asper showed maximum antibacterial activity against S. aureus, zones of
inhibition for Bacillus spizizenii, E. coli and P. aureginosa were also significant. It is concluded
that S. asper has significant medical importance and advanced molecular level study on its
components can provide a way to develop clinically validated natural antimicrobials against
various pathogenic as well as resistant bacterial strains.
Keywords: Sonchus asper; natural product; antibacterial activity
Author/s
Rizwana Kausar (Abbotabad University of Science & technology)
rizwana.kausar111@gmail.com

Paper ID 389
Paper Title
A Study o f Prevalence and Perception of Science teachers about Science Quizzes at Elementary
Level
Abstract
This study aimed at investigating the prevalence and perception of science teachers about science
quizzes at elementary level. To promote learning, it is necessary to involve learners and assess
them in what is taught in classroom or school. Thus, assessments are used to give feedback on
material learned and to direct teaching. Quizzes are used to measure performance of an
individual in a particular subject. In this present study, survey method was used. The population
of this study consists of all science teachers working at elementary level during 2018 in public
schools of District Rawalpindi. Amongst them, 22 science teachers were selected as sample by
convenient sampling technique. A questionnaire developed by the researcher was got filled by
the sample. Findings of the study showed that although science teachers perceive that quizzes
increase motivation and interest of students however, they do not take quizzes frequently in
public schools due to time constraints, work pressure, and non-supporting facilities regarding it.
It is recommended that work load of teachers may decrease and facilities must be provided to
science teachers for the frequent quizzes. It will resultantly increase their performance at end of
course exam improves.
Author/s
Dr. Farkhunda Rasheed Choudhary (Assistant Professor, Department of Science Education,
AIOU) farkhunda.rasheed@aiou.edu.pk
Romana Shahzad (AIOU)

Paper ID E95
‫‪Paper Title‬‬
‫"تلفیق بین المذاہب کا فقہی جائزہ"‬
‫‪Abstract‬‬
‫"تلفیق" فقہ اور اصول فقہ کی ایک اہم اور اصولی بحث ہے ‪،‬ساتویں صدی ہجری سے پہلے اس بحث کا ذکر نہیں ملتا‪،‬‬
‫عموما ً دسویں صدی ہجری کے بعد فقہائے کرام اور اصولین نے اس پر بحث کی ہے‪،‬یہ مسئلہ "ذوجہتین "ہے ‪،‬بعض‬
‫فقہاء اور اصو لین نے اسے دین میں یسر ‪،‬سہولت اور رخصت سے تعبیر کیا ہے اور قرآن و سنت میں دین میں یسر کے‬
‫بارہ میں جو آیات و احادیث مذکور ہیں ان کو" تلفیق" پر منطبق کیا ہے‪ ،‬جب کہ دوسرے فقہاء اوراصولین نے اسے اتباع‬
‫ہوی ‪،‬تلعب بالدین اور دین کے ساتھ تمسخر قرار دیا ہے ‪،‬اور یہ دو انتہائیں ہیں جن کے مابین یہ" تلفیق" کا مسئلہ دائر‬
‫ٰ‬
‫ہے ‪،‬اور حقیقت ہے کہ اس ذو جہتین مسئلہ میں بظاہر یہ دو پہلو نکلتے ہیں اور معاصر فقہاء کرام نے تلفیق کے بارے‬
‫میں ان دو انتہاؤں کے درمیان تطبیق اور توفیق پیداکی ہے ‪،‬اس مسئلہ کا دستور پاکستان اور قوانین پاکستان کے ساتھ‬
‫بھی اس طور سے گہرا تعلق ہے کہ دستور پاکستان میں اس ملک کا دستور قرآن و سنت کو قرار دیا گیا ہے اور ائمہ‬
‫کرام کے "فقہی دبستان" اسی قرآن و سنت کی مختلف اور خوبصورت تعبیریں ہیں جن کو ججز صاحبان اپنے اپنے‬
‫فیصلوں میں اختیار کر سکتے ہیں لیکن ایک ہی وقت میں اور ایک ہی فیصلہ میں کئی مذاہب کو مرکب و ملفق انداز میں‬
‫جمع کرنے سے تلفیق بین المذاہب کی صورت بن سکتی ہے ‪،‬زیر نظر مقالہ "تلفیق بین المذاہب کا فقہی جائزہ" میں اسی‬
‫بکھری ہوئی بحث‪،‬الجھی ہوئی فکر اور منتشر سوچ کو مرتب انداز میں پیش کر کے نتیجہ خیز بنانے کی اپنی سی سعی‬
‫کی ہے۔‬
‫وباہلل التوفیق‬
‫مقالہ نگار‪:‬شکیل احمد‬
‫ایم فیل اسالمک اسٹڈیز‬
‫اسالم آباد‪AIOU‬‬

‫‪Paper ID 315‬‬

‫‪Paper Title‬‬

‫‪Synthesis of Biodiesel from Non-edible Oil Using Nano Zinc Oxide as Catalyst‬‬

‫‪Abstract‬‬

‫‪In present study, biodiesel from waste cooking oil catalyzed by zinc oxide nanoparticles was‬‬
‫‪synthesized in ultrasonic assisted transesterification process. Heterogeneous catalyst zinc oxide‬‬
‫‪nanoparticles were synthesized by thermal-treatment method. Zinc complex with N-‬‬
‫‪phthaloylglycine was used as a precursor. The zinc complex was calcined at 500 oC for removal‬‬
‫‪of organic ligand. The structural characteristics of calcined samples were examined by Fourier‬‬
‫‪Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy‬‬
‫‪Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and BET Surface Area analysis. Biodiesel synthesized from zinc‬‬
‫‪oxide nano particles under the optimum condition. The optimum conditions used to synthesize‬‬
‫‪biodiesel were 8:1 methanol to oil ratio, 65 oC temperature, 30 min time and 1 weight percent‬‬
‫‪catalyst. Biodiesel was characterized by FTIR and NMR. The yield of biodiesel was calculated‬‬
‫‪by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and found 90.5 %. The catalyst was reused‬‬
in biodiesel synthesis under the same optimum conditions and yield of biodiesel was reduced to
86%. The transesterification process of non-edible waste cooking oil was economically viable to
carry out with nano zinc oxide catalyst to determine the highest catalytic activity and biodiesel
productivity.

Author/s

Isma Javed (Department fo Chemistry, AIOU) <ismajaved97@gmail.com>

Paper ID 366

Paper Title

Phenotypic and genotypic Characterization of Methicilin resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Abstract

Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is a multidrug resistant nosocomial pathogen and

emerged as leading cause of community and hospital associated infections worldwide. It poses a
major challenge for treatment of infections caused by it due to its resistance to multiple
antibiotics. In our study it was hypothesized that these strains also susceptible to acquire ESBLs
genes from enterobacteriaceae family. Present study aim was to characterize MRSA by
phenotypic method and their analyses for detection of methicillin resistant gene (mecA) and bla-
SHV (ESBLs) transformation in it Via PCR method. Following study was carried out at
Microbiology lab of Allama Iqbal Open university among 54 MRSA Strains collected from
PIMS. All of isolates were subculture on nutrient agar and then selected isolated colonies were
inoculated on Selective and differential media. Disk diffusion method was used to study the
antibiotic sensitivity profile of all isolates against 12 antibiotics. For genotypic study DNA was
extracted by following Sambrook protocol .PCR was performed by using primer pair with
specific sequences for both genes.Amplified products were analyzed on 2% agarose gel. All the
isolates were identified as pathogenic MRSA on the basis of phenotypic study. According to
antibiotic sensitivity profile MRSA isolates showed the 80 to 100% level of resistance to all the
beta-lactam antibiotics including cefoxitin,amoxiline, penicillin ,meropenem ,macrolides and to
Fluoroquinolones while more than 50% resistance level was observed for tetracycline
,tigecycline and to clindamycin. The sensitivity level was high for vancomycine (92.5%).While
on the basis of genotypic study mecA gene was present in all isolates and prevelance rate of bla-
SHV gene was 66.6%. In this study MRSA was found as a multidrug resistant pathogen.Only
vancomycine can be used against it. Genotypic Study confirms that presence of mecA and
tranformation of bla-SHV gene make it more resistant pathogen strain .

Author/s
Maryam Abid (Microbiology, AIOU) <abidmaryam5@gmail.com

Paper ID 250
Paper Title
Evaluation of Efficacy of Selected Oils, Antidandruff Shampoos and Plant Extracts Against
Malassezia Species Isolated from Human Scalp.
Abstract
Dandruff is a most common disease caused by Malassezia species affecting more than 50% of
population with predominant symptom of scalp scaling. The present study was conducted in
Microbiology Laboratory of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, during the months of
January to June 2017, to evaluate the efficacy of selected market available antidandruff
shampoos (Sunsilk, Vatika, Life boy, Head & Shoulders, Selson Blue, and Clear), organic oils
(Amla, bitter mustard, sikakae, egg, olive, black caraway and castor oil) and methanolic extract
of garlic peels and cloves by disk diffusion and agar well diffusion method, against three
Malassezia species isolated from scalp dandruff of 30 individuals. Samples were inoculated on
Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) and were incubated for 24 hours at 37oC. Three different
Malassezia isolates obtained had creamy white (M1), smooth pink (M2) and white rooted (M3)
colony appearance on SDA. The results demonstrated that all tested antidandruff shampoos have
potent antifungal effect against the tested yeast. However, Sunsilk was most effective against
Malassezia isolates showing zones of inhibition of 44 mm (against M1), 27 mm (against M2) and
39 mm (against M3) respectively. Our study indicated that traditionally used organic oils were
inactive in reducing dandruff, instead the growth of fungus was supported in the presence of oils.
Moreover, it was observed that methanolic extract of garlic clove had shown maximum zone of
inhibition of 17 mm (against M1), 32 mm (against M2) and 14 mm (against M3) at 0.4 g/ml. Our
study demonstrated that the commercial antidandruff shampoos are quite effective in controlling
the dandruff, but in addition to antidandruff shampoos the worth of garlic extracts should be
further investigated as an alternative drug for treatment of dandruff.
Keywords: dandruff, Malassezia, Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, Sunsilk, garlic.
Author/s
Mahnoor Nadeem (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences,
Allama Iqbal Open University) <noornadeem42@gmail.com>
Samar Naseer (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, Allama
Iqbal Open University) Samar_nasseer@yahoo.com
Hina Fatimah (Department of Biology and Environmental Science, Faculty of Sciences, Allama
Iqbal Open University)

Paper ID 411
Paper Title
Risk Factors associated with Tuberculosis
Abstract
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease of respiratory tract affecting the lungs majorly and has the
potential to affect other parts of the body also. It is usually caused by Mycobacterium
tuberculosis. It may occur with a wide range of apparent, clinical symptoms prior to diagnosis.
According to WHO TB report 2017 TB is the ninth leading cause of death worldwide and the
leading cause from a single infectious agent. Pakistan currently ranks 5th amongst countries with
highest burden of tuberculosis alongside the fourth highest burden of Drug Resistant TB
globally. To assess risk factors associated with transmission and onset of tuberculosis, a cross
sectional study was conducted at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Islamabad and
TB hospital Asghar Mall Road, Rawalpindi. Data was collected through interview of 300 TB
patients. Patients were asked about their symptoms, treatment, socioeconomically status, test
performed and possible causes of TB. Results of study revealed that 45% were living in
congested, low aerated areas. Classical signs and symptoms of tuberculosis were expressed in
most cases including chills, fever, chest pain and bloody sputum. It was found that 36.66% TB
patients were living in close proximity to other already diagnosed TB patients. In spite of being
vaccinated 63.66% acquired infection.TB patients also included alcohol users, tobacco and
naswar users. Approximately, 40% patients were addicted to tobacco and naswar. Among TB
patients inquired 8% were diabetic, 10% were hypertensive and (5%) of patients were suffering
from hepatitis. Studied parameters provided us an insight about probable causes of spread of
infection and its risk factors. It is found that prevalence of TB is high in young generation (39%)
and family history is a well described risk factor of TB. Smoking, exposure to TB infected
individuals, crowding and ventilation problems can be controlled by proper planning.
Author/s
Rafia Haider (Epidemiology, AIOU) <rafiahaider05@gmail.com>
Sidra Batool (Epidemiology, AIOU) <sidrabatool236@gmail.com>
Dr. Saba Farooq (Epidemiology, AIOU) <sbafarooq@gmail.com

Paper ID 332

Paper Title

Isolation and molecular identification of halotolerant bacteria isolated from saline soil of tehsil
shorkot, Jhang

Abstract
Soil salinity is the excess soluble salts in the soil and measured by the electrical conductivity of
soil. The present study was conducted for isolation and molecular identification of the
halotolerant bacteria from saline soil of Teh. Shorkot Distt. Jhang. Bacteria were isolated from
soil by serial dilution method. Isolates were grown on nutrient agar and purified on macconkey
agar and mannitol salt agar. Isolates were said to be gram negative bacilli by gram staining.
Different type of biochemical tests i.e. IMViC, Urease test, Triple sugar iron test, catalase test
and motility test were performed to identify these isolates. Specie level identification was done
by API 20E test. To check the ability of bioremediation of saline soil these isolates were
inoculated into saline soil. PCR has performed for these samples after DNA extraction. Genetic
identification by 16S rDNA was performed and DNA sequencing of isolates confirms that it has
close resemblance with paenibacillus dendritiformis (99.26% similarity). Bioremediation
potential of these isolates was not so satisfactory. There is a lot more effort to be needed to
explore more strains for effective bioremediation of saline soil.

Author/s

Safia Ehsan (Department of Biology, AIOU) <nooreman2014@yahoo.com>

Hina Fatimah (Department of Biology, AIOU) <hinafatimah@yahoo.com>

Paper ID 128
Paper Title
Workplace Bullying: Let’s End the “Criminal Silence” of Bystanders
Abstract
The prevalence of workplace bullying is increasing across the world and known by several terms
in the literature, including bullying, harassment, and mobbing. In workplace environments, much
research has focused on the respective roles of the victim, bully, and bullying adverse
psychological and social psychological outcome, with less information available on the role of
the bystander, which has emerged as an important part of the dynamic. The silent role of
bystanders in workplace bullying remains scant and less attention is given to its silence and
eventual adverse effect on the victim. To address this apparent gap in research, this study
investigate bystander silent behavior towards a victim, leaving aggression unchallenged, which is
interpreted by aggressor as support. This in turn aggravates the aggression towards the victim.
While highly theoretical and conceptual in nature, this article assist in explaining how some
bystanders silence may motivate, facilitate, perpetuate, enable, workplace bullying. Further. It
offers insights into how to prevent workplace bullying by emphasizing on bystanders moral duty
to speak up for victim. It concludes by offering theoretical arguments how we should create
awareness among bystanders.
Author/s
Aizza Anwar (NCBA&E) aizzaanwar@gmail.com
Paper ID E96
Paper Title
Determination of demographic features and gene expression of p53 gene in the breast cancer
biopsies collected from different hospitals of Lahore, Pakistan.
Abstract
Cancer is the noxious disease of 21st Century and each year number of deaths due to cancer are
increasing. Cancer diagnosis has prior importance especially in the early stages of cancer so that
best immediate treatment may be opted. There are many external and internal risk factors that
affect the different genes of cell cycle which are actually acting as the guards of cell during cell
division. p53 gene is a tumor suppressor gene; it has a role to protect the whole genome from
external and internal stresses, which causes damages to the genome. Several studies showed the
abnormal expression of p53 in breast cancer. The present study was designed to see the gene
expression profile of p53 in tumour cells as compared to normal breast tissues. After approval of
the project from ethical committee of Jinnah hospital, fresh modified radical mastectomy
samples were collected from different hospitals of the Lahore. RNA from fresh biopsies were
extracted by Qiagen extraction kit,cDNA was formed. Real time PCR was performed by using
SYBR green master mix (ABI) and the data was collected from Rotorgene Real Time PCR
machine. Relative fold change values of the tumor samples weredetermined by using Livak
method, and statistical analysis was performed. Results indicated that there was abnormal gene
expression of p53 in all grades of the breast tumors. There was nonsignificant (p>0.05)
difference of down and up regulation of p53 in different grades of breast tumor, however the
abnormal expression of p53 shows that there are some genetic and epigenetic factorswhich are
the primal cause of an abnormal gene expression. The demographic features showed that the
breast cancer patients in this study had more Invasive ductal carcinoma. Breast cancer was more
frequent in older age females, grade 3, rural and low income patients were highest in numbers.
Further studies are required to perform gene expression of large number of samples and also to
perform NGS of the gene to find out the mutations causing the abnormal behavior of p53 gene.

Keywords: Breast cancer, up regulation, down regulation, Real Time PCR, Demographic
features, Lahore.
Author/s
Haleema Sadia1, 2*, Sara Noudhani1, Ahmed Nawaz Khosa3, Hameed Baloch3
1
Department of Biotechnology, Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering
and Management Sciences,Quetta,Pakistan, 2Center for Applied Molecular Biology, University
of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan,
3
Department of Veterinary Medicine, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine
Sciences,Uthal, Balochistan, Pakistan.
Corresponding author E- Mail: sadiahaleema377@gmail.com

Paper ID 204
Paper Title
A Comparative Discourse Analysis of Pakistani, Chinese, Indian and American English
Newspaper Editorials Regarding China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
Abstract
The present study is in progress at International Islamic University, Islamabad at MS English
level which shall explore the representation of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in
Pakistani, Chinese, Indian and American newspaper editorials. For this purpose, editorials of
widely read English language newspapers, published between March 2017 to March 2018, will
be selected, compared and analyzed. The period selected for analysis is the time when CPEC is
considered as one of the main infrastructure projects or “game changer” of Pakistan. This
research study will explore as how print media adopts discursive strategies to project national
interest in news editorials by applying Fairclough's (1989) three model of Critical Discourse
Analysis (CDA) under supervision of Dr. Akhtar Aziz, Assistant Professor, Department of
English.
Author/s
Imran Raza (English language and applied linguistics, International Islamic University,
Islamabad) raza.is@yahoo.com

Paper ID 220
Paper Title
Development of Latent Fingerprints over Non-Porous Surfaces by using commercially available
ELFY® Super Glue
Abstract
The detection and identification of latent finger marks remain one of the best forensic techniques
for the investigation of crime. There is a wide range of optical, physical, and chemical detection
techniques available that can be employed to detect and enhance finger marks on various
surfaces. This research describes the indigenous super glue method for the development of latent
fingerprints over different non-porous substrates. Commercially available ELFY® was employed
for the development of latent fingerprints. In 10 L fish tank, 5 grams of ELFY® produced
optimum development results when the humidity and the temperature were maintained at 80%
and 130-degree centigrades respectively. Sears method was used to evaluate the quality of super
glued fingerprints. It produced 90% identifiable quality fingerprints with clear third level ridge
details.
Author/s
Muhammad Yaseen (Department of Chemistry, University of Education, Faisalabad Campus)
<m.yaseen@ue.edu.pk>
Saba Yaqoob (Department of Physics, University of Education, Faisalabad Campus)
<sabayaqoob167@gmail.com>
Zahid Farooq (Department of Physics, University of Education, Faisalabad Campus)
<zahidv1@hotmail.com>

Paper ID 348

Paper Title

Quantifying the Impact of Institutions, Ethnic Conflicts, Energy Consumption in Environmental

Quality in selected Asian Countries

Abstract

The present article aims at exploring the role of Institutions, Ethnic conflicts, and Energy
Consumption in Environmental Quality by testing the various Hypotheses in the selected Asian
countries. It empirically examined the role of physical sociopolitical and ethnic factors for
environmental quality. To this end, the study focused on 40 selected Asian countries over the
period of 1991-2017. The empirical analysis is carried out using the Random Effect Model, and
the Dynamic Ordinary Least Square Model. Further, it included a list of variables for tracing the
impact on environmental quality like gross domestic product per capita, foreign direct
investment inflows, population growth, etc. Similarly, for institution quality, it takes into account
the regulatory quality, rule of law and democratic quality variables to test institutions impact on
environmental quality. In addition, the study considered ethnic conflicts to evaluate the impact of
political ethnic group‘s conflict on environmental quality in Asia. The results verified the
Environmental Kuznets Curve hypothesis. However, institutional factors partially supported
improvement in environmental quality. In the similar vein, ethnic conflicts showed insignificant
impact on environmental quality in Asia; while, energy consumption deteriorated environmental
quality. However, Pollution Haven Hypothesis is confirmed in case of Asia due to foreign direct
investment inflows. Accordingly, the IPAT hypothesis or population based degradation of the
environmental quality in Asian countries supporting the earlier results. Keywords:
Environmental Quality, Fixed Effect Models and Dynamic Effect Models, Institutions, Ethnic
conflicts etc.

Author/s
Dr. Azam (Environmental Economics, fuuast Islamabad)
<muhammadazam.economist@gmail.com>

Paper ID 187
Paper Title
Comparative Analysis of National Education Policy 2009 and 2017
Abstract
The educational policy has strong effect on the education system of any country. A policy is set
of rules which every educational institute has to follow for proper functioning as well as for
contributing its part towards growth and development of a country. This study aims at
comparison of different provisions in NEP 2009 & 2017.Objectives were to see the effects of
NEP 2009 on the education system of Pakistan, Unrealistic goals and objectives Indication of
weakness of national education policy 2009. This study is documentary analysis. National
education policy 2009 was not a research oriented policy and implementation of this policy was
dominantly effected by politics and other issues. On the other hand, National Education Policy
2017 has been planned after comprehensive research on present situation and issues and
challenges faced by sub sectors of education system. Secondly, specific strategies have been
described in new policy which can originate positive changes and constructive amendments in
education system if applied in a proper way. It is found that the goals and objectives of National
Education Policy 2017 can be building blocks for development of Pakistan with respect to
education in competition to whole world.
Keywords: Education Policies, Documentary analysis.
Author/s
Arshad Qamar (AIOU) <arshad.mehmood@aiou.edu.pk>
Farwa Karamat (AIOU) <twinklingstar51214@gmail.com>

Paper ID 346

Paper Title

Detection of Fault Location in Voltage Source Converter Based HVDC Transmission System

Abstract

Restructuring and exploring new ideas in order to meet increasing load demand is inevitable.
Power system is under continuous change. For long distance bulk power transfer, HVDC
transmission system is gaining attraction because of its significant advantages over conventional
HVAC transmission system. Power is transmitted in DC by converting it from AC. Line
commutated converters and voltage source converters are types of HV converters. Because of
back start ability and effective controllability, voltage source converter is populous. There is a
need to make this system more reliable and more efficient. For this protection system
technologies must be capable of fault detection and interruption. Unlike in HVAC systems, DC
fault increases so rapidly that the traditional arrangement to cope with fault currents could not
work effectively. There is a requirement to modify the existing relaying and breaker strategies. In
addition to this, location of fault must be detected quickly and accurately as it is core part of any
relaying and breaker strategy. In this research, estimation of fault location will be carried out
over VSC HVDC system. DC and AC faults will be generated over the system at different
locations and correspondingly current and voltage waveforms will be analysed to identify the
location of fault. Simulation of this system will be done in Matlab/ Simulink.

Keywords: HVDC Transmission, Voltage Source Converter, DC Faults, Fault Location, Matlab/
Simulink

Author/s

Raheel Muzzammel (University of Lahore) <raheelmuzzammel@gmail.com>

Syed Abdul Rafay (University of Lahore) <rafay210186@gmail.com>

Muhammad Rasab Waseem (University of Lahore) <muhammadrasab513@gmail.com>

Mubeen Razzaq (University of Lahore) mubeenrazzaq296@gmail.com

Paper ID 323
Paper Title
Public transport is not innocent: Gendered ideologies on the public transport of Quetta
Abstract
The aim of our study was to analyze the discourse written on public transport in Quetta,
Balochistan. Particularly, we wanted to study how the gendered discourses were publicly visible
in the Quetta city. To us, public transport included auto rickshaw, buses, trucks, and tractors. We
randomly captured 20 pictures of the public transport from various public places of the Quetta
city such as Chaman Phatak, Saryab Road, Satellite Town, and the Airport Road. For analyzing
the collected pictures, we used the concepts of Framing, Back grounding, Foregrounding, and
Presupposition as our theoretical framework. The framework helped us to understand ideologies
and stereotypes in the discourse on the public transport. Our study found that different
roles/identities of female gender had been constructed in different ways. For instance, the
identity of a female as a mother was portrayed as heaven on earth. In addition, female as a
beautiful being had been constructed as selfish and disloyal. Moreover, female as a human being
was shown as someone who was too complicated to be understood and handled. Our research
implied that discourse written on the public transport was not free from ideologies.
Author/s
Nayab Baloch (Department of English, BUITEMS, Quetta) <wildros07@gmail.com>
Sahiba Ishaque (Department of English, BUITEMS, Quetta) <sahibaishaq2015@gmail.com>

Paper ID 278
Paper Title
Exploring the solar energy potential for electricity generation using Solar voltaic in open parking
space in AIOU Islamabad campus through multiple functional usage.
Abstract
Sun has been the biggest source of energy for survival of the planet Earth and its inhabitant’s
specially human beings. It has not only provided us with light but also has balanced out the
energy system vital to the existence of life. Along with many other benefits, solar energy has
been used extensively for generation of electrical energy and electricity through transformation
of it using solar voltaic panels. With an aim towards establishing a more sustainable approach
towards energy generation using renewable energy resources like Sun, research and design
project was taken up to explore the potential of solar exposure at the central parking and paved
area at AIOU Vice Chancellor Office building along with Auditorium and allied buildings of
Central Library etc towards generating electricity using solar energy and photovoltaic panels. It
was observed that due to open space with very less vertical and horizontal obstruction and
objects, the designated area has a strong potential for generating limited scale electricity through
usage of solar panels in the form of providing parking for cars and shaded sitting spaces for the
administration, students, faculty and general visitors. Using Ecotect 2010 as a tool, solar
exposure analysis for the whole year was calculated for the selected area on monthly basis. A
proposed virtual 3D model for space was designed after analysis and rendered. It was concluded
that such spaces within the university premises of AIOU and in the allied academic institutes &
universities of Islamabad should be further studied and devise policies for future design of
building to enable energy efficient and energy generative design solutions.
Author/s
Omer Bhatti (AIOU) <omer.shujat@aiou.edu.pk>

Paper ID 399
Paper Title
Analysis of Socio-economic determinants of madrassa enrollment (A case study of selected
madrassas at district Mardan)
Abstract
The study at hand was carried out with aim to investigate socioeconomic factors that accounts
for madrassa enrolment. The data for the study comes from a sample of randomly selected
students and teachers of 6 madrassas at district Mardan. 18 respondents (12 students + 6
teachers) were contacted for data collection. The data was gathered using questionnaire and
interview methods. The collected qualitative data was thematically analyzed. A number of
factors have been found which play an important role in enrolment decision. In most cases a
number of factors work together. The factors are broadly grouped into five different categories
i.e. social factors, economic factors, cultural factors, institutional factors and special
circumstances. Findings of the study reveal that low economic status is not the sole reason of
madrassa enrollment. Religious commitments, association with Tablighe Jumath, traditional
family system were also found to be correlates of madrassa enrolment. Institutional factors like
availability of madrassa in vicinity and blending of religious and worldly education in madrassa
also lead parents to enroll children in madrassa.
Author/s
Muhammad Zahid (Sociology, AWKUM) mzahid@awkum.edu.pk

ABSTRACTS PRESENTED IN ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION

PRESENTED PAPERS
Paper ID E59
Paper Title
‫ پاکستانی معاشرت کی تناظر میں‬:‫تعدد ازدواج کی سماجی اثرات‬
‫موضوع کا تعارف‬
‫نکاح کی اہمیت وضرورت ایک مسلمہ حقیقت ہے اور کسی بھی صاحب عقل نے آج تک اس کی اہمیت سے انکار نہیں‬
.‫ یہ دنیا متاع ہے اور اس کی بہترین متاع نیک عورت ہے‬: ‫ اس کی اہمیت کے بارے میں رسول ہللا نے فرمایا کہ‬، ‫کیا‬
‫)کرنا انسانی ضرورت ہے؟ اگر اس‬polygamy( ‫۔شادی کی اہمیت تو روز روشن کی طرح واضح ہے لیکن زیادہ شادیاں‬
‫کی ضرورت ہے تو کن حاالت میں اس کی اجازت دی جاسکتی ہے؟ شریعت اسالمی اگر اس کی اجازت دیتی ہے تو ان‬
‫کے سماجی اثرات ہوتے بھی ہے یا نہیں؟ ۔ زیر تحریر مقالہ میں کثرت ازدواج کے سماجی اثرات کو زیر بحث الیا گیا‬
‫ہے۔ اس کےمثبت اور منفی اثرات کو بیان کرنے کے عالوہ اس کے منفی سماجی اثرات کے تدارک کےلیے تجاویز پیش‬
‫کیے جائیں گے۔‬
‫کثرت ازدواج ایک معاشرتی اور سماجی مسئلہ اور ضرورت ہے اس موضوع کی اہمیت اہل علم سے پوشیدہ نہیں ہے۔‬
‫موضوع تحقیق کا بنیادی سوال‬
‫زیر تحریر مقالے کا بنیادی سوال یہ ہے کہ کثرت ازدواج کے سماجی اثرات ہے بھی یا نہیں اگر ہے تو کیا ہے؟ اور اس‬
‫سے کیونکر اور کیسے بچا جاسکے۔‬
‫فرضیہ تحقیق‬
‫کیاتعدد ازدواج ایک اچھا کام ہے اور اس کا کوئی سماجی اثر نہیں ہے؟‬
‫قبل ازاسالم اور خیرون القرون میں تعدد ازدواج کے سماجی اثرات کیا تھے؟‬
‫کیا عصر حاضر میں سماجی اثرات کی وجہ سے تعدد ازدواج ترک کرنا ضروری ہے؟‬
‫افتراضات‬
‫ اس کا کوئی سماجی اثر نہیں ہوتا ۔‬، ‫۔ کثرت ازدواج ایک اچھا کام ہے‬1
‫۔ زیادہ شادیوں کی سماجی اثرات "نقصانات"بہت زیادہ ہیں۔‬2
 ‫‪3‬۔ کثرت ازدواج کے کچھ سماجی فوائد کے ساتھ ساتھ سماجی اثرات بھی ہوتے ہیں۔‬
‫اہداف و مقاصدتحقیق‬
‫مقالہ ہذا میں یہ کوشش کی جائیگی کہ شادی کا تصور عام کیا جائے۔‬
‫معاشرے سے جنسی انارکی کا خاتمہ کرنا۔‬
‫معاشرے میں امن و سالمتی کو یقینی بنانا‬
‫اس تحقیق کا مقصد یہ بھی ہے کہ مذہبی تعلیمات کو فروغ حاصل ہو اور مخالفین اسالم کے مذموم ارادوں کا تدارک‬
‫ممکن ہوسکے۔‬
‫مقالے کا مقصد سماجی ترقی کا حصول بھی ہے۔ سماجی ترقی تب ممکن ہے جب معاشرے سے سماجی مسائل کا‬
‫خاتمہ ہوجائے۔‬
‫معاشرے میں ہونے والی جہالت اور العلمی کا خاتمہ کرنا‬
‫مسلم ثقافت کو آنے والی نسلوں تک محفوظ طریقے سے منتقل کرنا‬
‫معاشرے سے برائیوں کا خاتمہ کرنا‬
‫زوجین کے حقوق کا تحفظ یقینی بنانا‬
‫‪Author/s‬‬
‫‪Anwar Ul Haq Haqani (Ph.D Scholar in Islamic Studies, Department of Hadith & Seerah,‬‬
‫>‪AIOU, Pakistan) <anwarulhaq931@gmail.com‬‬

‫‪Paper ID 56‬‬
‫‪Paper Title‬‬
‫خوات ین اف سان ہ ن گار ک ے س ندھی اور ‪-----‬پ اک س تان ی زب ان وں ک ا ادب اور سماجی و مزاحم تی روی ے‬
‫پ نجاب ی اف سان وں ک ا ت قاب لی جائ زہ‬

‫‪Abstract‬‬
‫کی ف سودہ پ اک س تان ی اف سان وی ادب م یں خوات ین اہ ل ق لم ن ے ج ہاں ای ک جان ب پ اک س‬ ‫تانی م ا‬
‫اواز بلند کی وہیں دوس ی جانب ان ادی نسوانی احساسا اور مزاحمتی رویوں کی‬ ‫روایا اورج ی رویوں کے خ‬
‫ت جمان ی ب ھی ک ی۔ زی ن ظ م قال ہ ا سی ق لمی اور ادب ی ت ناظ ک و اجاگ ک ت ے ہ وئ ے س ندھی اور‬
‫خوات ین اف سان ہ پ نجاب ی اف سان وں ک ا ت قاب لی جائ زہ پ یش ک ت ا ہ ے۔ ی ہ‬ ‫ت قاب لی جائ زہ ص‬
‫ن گار ک ے چ ند ن ما ئ ندہ س ندھی اور پ نجاب ی اف سان وں ت ک محدود ہ ے جن م یں خطہ پ نجاب اور ار ض‬
‫س ندھ ک ی ا س تح صال زدہ عور ک ی ب ےب سی و ب ے ک سی ک ی ب ھ پ ورع کا سی ک ی گ ی ہ ے۔‬
‫چاہے ا س لوب ی و ف نی ما ب حث ک ے ب د ی ہ ت قاب لی جائ زہ اس ن ت یجے ک و اخذ ک ت ا ہ ے ک ہ ب ا‬
‫سندھی و ی ا اہی کی ہو یا پنجابی چوہد راھ کی ہ دو صورتوں میں عور مظلو ہے سماجی ناہمواریوں کی بنا پ‬
‫قافتی وتمدنی اہن جدا جدا سہی مگ سندھی اور پنجابی‬ ‫بھی اور اتی تذبذب و گھ ن کی وجہ سے بھی۔ م صو‬
‫ک ہ ی ج ی سا ق اب ل رحم ہ ے۔ گ ھ ی لو ن اروا روی وں دون وں سماج م یں عور ک ا ا س تح صال زدہ وجود ای‬
‫سے سما جی ف سودہ ر سوما ت ک س ندھ اور پ نجا ب ک ی عور ہ ان داز م یں ٹ وٹ تی ب کھ ت ی اور‬
‫رون دھی جات ی ہ ے۔ہ اں م گ ی ہ ان داز اک ث مظ لوم یت ک ا ال م ن اک پ ی ک ہ ی ب نا رہ تا ہ ے م گ ک ھی‬
‫رت ا ہ ے۔ک ھار مزاحمت سے ب غاو ت ک ک ے س ک ی ن مائ ندگ ی ب ھی ک‬

‫‪Author/s‬‬
‫‪Sadia Parveen Qureshi (Allama Iqbal Open University) sadia.ielts@gmail.com‬‬
Paper ID 262
Paper Title
Iqbal’s Shaheen or Cramming Parrots: Assessing Students Capacity in Science

Abstract

In this technological epoch, every society expect production of qualified and skilled individuals,
particularly in science arena through its educational programs. No doubt, elementary education is
the beginning of this expedition. Alongside, English language is thought a mandatory symbol of
wisdom. In present, English has been immersed as medium of textbook content at primary level.
This investigation was directed to determine the students’ proficiency in science taught through
English (English medium science course). It was also envisioned to gather teachers’ perceptions
in terms of students’ proficiency in science. It was a simultaneous mixed method investigation.
In the first phase, quantitative data was collected through a bilingual test of students’ capacity in
science. The test items were based on the first three levels of cognitive domain of Blooms
taxonomy (1956) i.e. knowledge, comprehension and application. The test was made both in
English and Urdu versions in order to judge whether there is any difference of students’
performance in both. The students had to respond both version. In the 2nd phase, science
teachers were interviewed in term of students’ test outcomes and their perception regarding
students’ comprehension. The tests outcomes provided students’ higher mean values in Urdu
form. Further, on comprehension and application levels, the students provided significantly
higher outcomes in Urdu than in English. The responses of teaches could be summed up that
native languages are essential for better learning, retaining, transforming and creating. Further,
the negative impacts of English language are development of the cramming, stereo-type
approaches in learning and poor conceptual development. Further, it lowers down the levels of
students’’ motivation, interest and self-reliance. The study recommended the use of national or
mother tongue for instructional as well as textbook content of science at elementary levels.
Author/s
Asfandeyar Fida (Education )*

Paper ID 199
Paper Title
Is Nutraceutical is Better Option Rather than Pharmaceuticals

Abstract

Greek physician Hippocrates’s often-quoted saying made nearly 2,500 years ago, “Let food be
thy medicine and medicine be thy food”. Nutraceutical is nontoxic food and has proven health
benefits. Food having physiological benefit and has potential to protect against chronic disorders.
Nutraceutical has multidimensional benefits e.g. anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, physiological
support to the body and improves life expectancy. Nutraceuticals have preventive role rather that
cure. Herbs and herbal extracts are being considered potential nutraceuticals against many
chronic disorders. Consumer satisfaction regarding nutraceuticals has to be focused to have
better share in national and international markets. Scenario demands alternative to chemo and
radiotherapies. Nutraceuticals/diet supplements/phytonutrients has better perspective for
manufacturer and marketer due to its potential benefits in disease prevention. According to
Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) 1994 nutraceuticals include vitamins,
minerals, herbs and other botanicals, amino acids, and any dietary substance for use by humans
to supplement the diet by increasing total dietary intake. Nutraceutical demand is increasing
5.8% per annum globally and has 197 billion dollar share of nutritional product industry. There
is need to develop regulatory sop’s for nutraceutical industry to have better quality nutraceutics.
Traditional and nontraditional food is being used for nutraceutics. Nutraceuticals, phytonutriton,
phototherapy/ nutritional therapy need to eradicate regulatory hurdles. There is need to develop
GMP, GRAS status, analytical procedures and certification of nutraceuticals. Definitely
nutraceutical is better substitute of pharmaceutical in prevention of alarmingly increasing chronic
disorders.
Author/s
Muhammad Suhail Ibrahim (Pir Mehr Ali Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi)*

Paper ID 336
Paper Title
Effect of inclusion of investigative skills in SSC science practical for the development of critical
thinking of students

Abstract

Investigative skills or inquiry learning is one of an important aspect of science teaching and
learning. Science is about to explore, to inquire, to investigate and to find new knowledge. If
teach properly, only then can develop critical thinking of students. Pakistan is blessed with very
intelligent youth, need is only to polish their skills. The previous studies show that students’
critical thinking is improved by doing practical or lab work through inquiry method. We are
lagging behind in practising it in our schools. It is concluded that if students in abroad are
critically strong by solving scientific investigations then students in Pakistan can do better. The
addition of such investigative questions in science practicals would be beneficial for students and
teachers who are an integral part of society. The results of this research will be helpful for
curriculum planners to think to add such investigative questions in science practical at secondary
level.
Key Words: Investigative Skills, Critical Thinking, Secondary Science Practical
Author/s
Maarij M Quddusi (AIOU)*; Dr. Muhammad Samiullah (AIOU Islamabad)
Paper ID 23
Paper Title
Female Subjectivity and the Idea of Self in South Asian Diaspora Literature

Abstract

Gender plays a very crucial role in conceptualizing the diasporic subject. A female, as compared
to a male, encounters more challenges in the diasporic world on account of double
marginalization as a postcolonial object and also as a female gender. Dislocation of self, due to
diaspora, greatly affects female migrants. The patriarchal society of native land delimits women
at one hand while on the other hand; the liberal society of immigrant land opens up new choices.
Memories of their old home and their encounter with the present diasporic life result in complex
perception of their female self. Diasporic women writers have given a vivid description of
female subjectivity in their writings. This paper critically analyzes Shaila Abdullah’s Saffron
Dreams, Monica Ali’s Brick Lane and Bharati Mukherjee’s Jasmine to find out diasporic
subjectivity of women i.e. how the idea of self is perceived by the women after dislocation from
their original home and relocation at a foreign land. Female protagonists of these selected novels
and the novelists themselves pass through drastic changes of forming their self identity. A textual
analysis within the postcolonial perspective is done here to unearth various issues underlying
female subjectivity within the diasporic context. There is a long series of changes that shapes and
reshapes female identity. This metamorphasis of female self leads to adoption, acculturation,
assimilation, redefinition, compassion, transcendence and emancipation in different situations of
time and space. In many cases, after a long effort, diasporic women eventually find a coherent
self identity for themselves.
Author/s
SHAMAILA HALEEM (National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad)*

Paper ID 353
Paper Title
Science and Applications of Shape Memory Alloys

Abstract
Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are smart materials which acquire the large number of
applications due to their bio-compatibility and bio-functionality. Shape memory alloys are the
unique class of alloys which have the ability to memorize and retain their prior form when
subjected to a certain external stimulus. This behavior results from the shape memory and
superelasticity effect of these alloys. The distinct crystal structure of two different phases
austenite and martensite is sensitive to temperature and internal stresses. These phenomena
enable the use of shape memory alloys for biomedical (orthodontic wire, bone anchor), heat
detection, aerospace and military applications. Nitinol (TiNi alloy) is widely used shape memory
and superelastic alloy which shows maximum effect of these phenomena. Others SMAs include
copper-aluminum-nickel, titanium based alloys with alloying elements zinc, copper, gold, tin,
manganese, chromium, silicon, molybdenum and iron etc. In this talk, work related to titanium
based SMAs and work of our research group will be presented. Some of the contents of the book
written by one of the authors, titled as ‘Titanium and Titanium Alloys’ published under HEC
book writing scheme, will also be presented in this talk.
Key Words: Shape memory alloys (SMAs), Shape memory effect, Superelasticity, Nitinol,
Titanium and titanium alloys
Author/s
Abdul Wadood (Department of Material Science and Engineering Institute of Space Technology,
Islamabad); Muhammad Luqman Hashmi ((Department of Material Science and Engineering
Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad).

ABSTRACTS PRESENTED IN PANEL DISCUSSION

Paper ID E0
Paper Title
Interactive Pedagogy and Gamification to educate under-privileged street children, child labor,
women and farmers
Abstract
There are no magic and miracles but there is mathematics behind everything. To compete and
progress with contemporary world; critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning are core
skills to have, which all are fundamentally based on education of mathematics. The major reason
for dropouts in school is boring and lengthy course content and syllabus. The researcher of this
paper is proposing a conceptual framework to educate street-child, child-labor, women, and
farmers using two courses syllabus; one is literacy (local language, a national language, and/or
foreign language) and the second mathematics (problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical
reasoning). The proposed methodology will be one hour per week mobile schools with ICT
based interactive pedagogy and gamification. The students will take their lessons and evaluate
their performance after biometric attendance backed by incentive(pay) to learn phenomena. The
researcher has a hypothesis that the teaching, learning and remembering of "names", "places",
"dates", "facts" and "figures" are useless and major motive to induce withdrawal of pupils
particularly under-privileged masses. Most of the things are depending on rote memorization
which is causing the behavior that promotes cramming and forgetting rather than life-long
learning. If education is focused on literacy and mathematics only then the dropout ratio can be
decay exponentially which will ultimately lead to social economic equality due awareness and
education for all. This research work is out of the box solution to eliminate extremism and ensure
social economic equality by growing “common sense”, “sense of respect” and “sense of
responsibility”. In macro scenario, the researcher is focused to create uniform qualification
framework which will provide equivalence to vocational knowledge with academic knowledge.
The ultimate goal is to develop mechanism for street children, child labor, women and farmers to
get admissions in universities (probably true and pure open universities, where there is no one
yet in Pakistan).
Keywords: ICT-based pedagogy, social economic equality in education, dropout reasons,
teaching of mathematics, teaching of literacy.
Author/s
Tahir Ramzan <tahirramzan@alumni.vu.edu.pk>